NURSE ENLIGHTENMENT: DIFFERENT TYPES OF NURSES (Part 2)
We had discussed from the previous article the three categories of nurses which are Non-degree, Degree and Advanced Degree. We will now know more about the nurses belonging in each category and their responsibilities.
In the Non-degree category, there are the Certified Nurses' Aides or CNAs and the Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs sometimes referred as Licensed Vocational Nurse or LVN. Let's take a deeper look of their duties.
CERTIFIED NURSES' AIDES or CERTIFIED NURSES' ASSISTANT (CNAs)
They usually perform health assistant and often needed in home health care. They work under the supervision of physicians to address the most fundamental elements of a patient's care.
- Provides support for personal hygiene (i.e. giving bedpans, urinals,baths, back scrubs, etc)
- Assisting with serving meals and feeding patients; providing nourishment between meals
- Administering enemas, douches, non-sterile dressings, surgical preps, therapeutic baths; applying restraints
- Check vital signs and weight, recording intake and output information
- Reporting observations of the patient to nursing supervisor
CNAs have tremendous contribution to the patients sense of normalcy and well-being. They have great impact on the day-to-day experience of patients, helping them feel well-cared for and capable as they face medical challenges or diminishing physical capacity.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES (LPNs) or LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE (LVNs)
They work under the direct supervision of doctors and registered nurses or RNs. They are invaluable members of any healthcare team. They provide basic nursing care.
- Monitor the patients' health by checking their blood pressure and other vital signs, alert doctors and nurses to patients who require immediate attention.
- Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters, and helping them get to physical therapy sessions.
- Provide for the basic comfort of patients such as helping them bathe or dress
- Report patients' status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
- Keep record on patient’s health.
Registered Nurse belongs to the Degree category, whether they have an associate degree, a bachelor's degree or a diploma from a special hospital-based program. They are health educators and advocates for patients, families and communities.
- Observing and recording patient behaviour
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records
- Perform physical exams and health histories
- Administering medications and treatments
- Perform diagnostic tests
- Treating medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, car accidents and burns as well as recovering post-operative patients
- Supervising licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs)
- Consult and coordinate with physicians and other health care professionals to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
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For the next article, we will be discussing about the nurses in the ADVANCED DEGREE category.
Published at: 06/06/2015
