("Summary of the LPN Declaratory Ruling, 2003) The selected tasks and shared responsibilities of the licensed practical nurse define such nurses as responsible for being adequately prepared for the nursing responsibilities they assume because they have obtained the validation of completion of an approved preparatory program and have evidence of the successful completion of a nursing licensing examination. A registered nurse, however, as the title conveys, must be registered as a specific health care professional, within a professional organization, rather than merely possess evidence of having a license, and has passed the necessary coursework to obtain his or her master's in the nursing profession. The LPN's validation documents state that he or she has reached the achievement of mastering all theoretical and nursing skill competencies required of an entry level practical nurse in caring for individuals in any age group. It states that the licensed practical nurse has the sufficient education and skills expected of an LPN at the point of entry into the nursing profession. But all RNs, unlike LPNs must participate in a continuing competence process to ensure that the RN engages in his or her maintenance of current knowledge, skill and judgement, ensuring compliance with the continuing competence requirement of registration. ("Summary of the LPN Declaratory Ruling, 2003)

When the LPN is functioning alone, he or she is still technically under the direction of the registered nurse, even if the nurse is absent from the site. Thus...

The RN should always be proximately available for emergency onsite visits, should they prove necessary and available by telephone, if the LPN need to consult with the attending RN. ("Summary of the LPN Declaratory Ruling, 2003)
With these added responsiblities of management, however, the RN also gains a great deal from the additional schooling he or she has obtained and the fact that he or she is registered within the nursing profession's professional organization. RNs can open up their own practices in such disciplines in areas of speciality such as nutrition, physical rehabilitation, or obstetrics. The RN's additional schooling justifies this added level of assumed professionalism and competency, as does the RN's ability to define patient care as well as to administer to patient wellness.

Works Cited

Carter, Melodie R. (Jun 2004) "ABCs of Staffing Decisions." Journal of Nursing Management. Retrived 2 Sept 2005 at http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3619/is_200406/ai_n9425719

Nurse Practice Act. (2004) Retrived 2 Sept 2005 at http://www.arsbn.org/pdfs/practice_act/2004/nursepracticeact_2004.pdf

Summary of the LPN Declaratory Ruling." (Feb 2003) Connecticut Nursing Journal. Retrived 2 Sept 2005 at http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3902/is_200212/ai_n9305171