New Policy to be added to the Employee Handbook in my Nursing Facility
Working as an LPN in a nursing home is both a rewarding and a challenging experience. The major responsibilities of an LPN include providing patient care, documenting patient data, working alongside other medical practitioners like doctors and registered nurses and also delegating tasks. As an LPN, it is important to build good relationships with other professionals, practice good communication, and learn continually by staying updated with the best evidence-based practices: New Policy to be added to the Employee Handbook in my Nursing Facility.
Employees to Whom the LPN can Assign Tasks
The Policy for LPN Task Assignment in Client Care describes how Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) distribute responsibilities relating to client care within our nursing facility. Its goal is to offer clarity on delegation procedures while assuring compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and state legislation (Barrow, 2023). Therefore, LPNs can delegate or assign tasks to certified Nursing Assistants and other professionals like Registered Nurses by collaborating with them on complex cases.
The Tasks that can be Assigned
Firstly, routine care activities like bathing, grooming, and feeding. Secondly, vital signs can be monitored by the CNAs while under supervision. Further, documentation of non-clinical observations, such as input/output records, under the guidance of the LPNs. Lastly, provision of basic wound care by assisting with dressing.
The Rationale Behind the Role of the Practical Nurse and the Risks Posed if LPNS do not Adhere to their Role
Undeniably, the role of LPNs is vital as it guarantees patient safety, which necessitates the need for them to follow protocols. This allows the nurses to improve client safety, promote collaboration of different teams, and also enhance professional growth for those assigned duties. On the other hand, in the case where LPNs fail to adhere to their role while delegating, there is a likeliness of issues with patient safety.
For example, if a person without the need qualifications is assigned tasks that are critical, they may compromise the quality of patient care. Another risk includes legal implications – if state regulations are not complied with, the facility and also individual nurses may be exposed to legal liabilities. The last risk would include poor collaboration, which can be brought by the lack of clearly defined roles, which can bring confusion and poor communication, which would greatly affect the delivery of care delivery.
In conclusion, LPNs play a very important role in the healthcare team within healthcare settings, including nursing homes. Their ability to effectively delegate tasks is vital in ensuring the best and most effective care is provided to patients.
References
Barrow, J. M. (2023, July 24). Five rights of nursing delegation. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519519/
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Question 
You work in a nursing home as an LPN. Recently, you were reviewing the employee handbook and discovered there is not a clear policy on the role of the practical nurse in assigning tasks for client care. You decide to create a new policy to be added to the employee handbook in your nursing facility. The information to be added to the handbook will be used to train and prepare incoming LPNs. To create the policy, utilize resources, including the Nurse Practice Act, and be sure to follow your state’s requirements when creating the policy.
The following information should be contained within the new policy for the handbook:
- Identify other employees to whom the LPN can assign tasks
- List and describe the tasks that can be assigned
- Explain the rationale behind the role of the practical nurse and the risks posed if LPNs do not adhere to their role
New Policy to be added to the Employee Handbook in my Nursing Facility
Resources
- Nurse Practice Act
- APA Online Guide
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