RN vs. LPN: Scope of Practice Under Nurse Practice Act
This paper examines the differences between Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as defined by the Nurse Practice Act, with primary reference to Kansas statutes. It covers statutory definitions of each license type, differences in educational preparation, limitations on intravenous therapy for LPNs, and the rules governing delegation of nursing tasks from RNs to LPNs and unlicensed personnel. The paper illustrates how scope of practice, supervisory responsibility, and accountability differ significantly between the two roles, providing a clear framework for understanding each nurse's legal and professional boundaries in clinical settings.
- Introduction and Statutory Definitions: Statutory definitions of RN and LPN roles
- Differences in Scope of Practice: Clinical duties distinguishing RNs from LPNs
- Differences in Educational Preparation: Degree and training requirements for each license
- Intravenous Therapy Limitations: LPN restrictions on IV fluid therapy
- Delegation of Nursing Tasks: RN accountability when delegating to LPNs
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What makes this paper effective
- Grounds every claim directly in statutory language, giving the analysis legal authority and precision.
- Moves logically from definitions, to practice differences, to education, to specific procedural rules — building complexity progressively.
- Consistently pairs statutory citations with secondary sources to reinforce and illustrate abstract legal text.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates statute-based comparative analysis: each section opens with a specific statutory citation (e.g., Statute 65-1113, 65-1136) and then interprets or supplements it with professional literature. This technique anchors argumentation in primary legal sources rather than opinion, which is especially appropriate for nursing policy and regulatory topics.
Structure breakdown
The paper is organized into five clear sections. It opens with statutory definitions of RN and LPN, then contrasts their day-to-day clinical duties. A dedicated section addresses differences in educational pathways and licensure exams. Two shorter, more technical sections cover LPN restrictions on intravenous therapy and the rules governing RN delegation of tasks to LPNs and unlicensed personnel. The bibliography follows APA formatting conventions throughout.
Introduction and Statutory Definitions
Statute 65-1113 of the Nurse Practice Act defines a registered nurse (RN) as one who possesses a license to practice professional nursing, either for free or for pay (KSBN, 2014). An RN has acquired substantial specialized knowledge in the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences for the care, diagnosis, treatment, counsel, and education of those in her care. This care covers the treatment or prevention of disordered conditions, or the administration of a medical plan by a licensed health professional (KSBN). Her duties are often expansive and include the ability to perform critical thinking in clinical settings, often in hospitals (Nursing Licensure, 2014).
The statute also defines a licensed practical nurse (LPN) as one who is licensed to practice practical nursing. Her assigned tasks and responsibilities are determined by acceptable or established educational preparation for supportive and restorative care. She receives direction from an RN (KSBN) and reports all details of her work, including minor changes, to an RN or another medical professional (Nursing Licensure).
Differences in Scope of Practice
RNs execute highly skilled patient care activities (SL Page, 2013). They do not only treat patients — they also educate them on their illnesses and overall medical conditions, and they extend skilled emotional support to patients and their families. RNs likewise provide patients and their families with useful guidance on care. At times, RNs also operate heavy medical machinery and complicated medical equipment. In addition, they perform diagnoses, analyze test results, observe patient health status, implement treatments and therapies, record patient histories and progress, and maintain intravenous lines. They also consult with doctors and clinicians, supervise nursing aides and licensed practical nurses, and perform any specialized care for which they have been trained (SL Page).
LPNs perform less skilled care and may only provide it under the direct supervision of doctors and RNs (SL Page, 2014). They are permitted to perform only basic bedside care, such as dressing, feeding, moving, comforting, and bathing patients. They cannot work without supervision (SL Page).
Differences in Educational Preparation
Statute 65-1115 states that an RN must be a graduate of a professional nursing program from an accredited school in the United States, its territories, or an approved foreign country, and her qualifications must not conflict with this Act (KSBN, 2014). Statute 65-1116 similarly states that an LPN must be a graduate of a professional or practical nursing program from an accredited school in the United States, any of its territories, or an approved foreign country, and must possess a license issued by the Board (KSBN).
RNs have completed a minimum of a two-year degree or a three-year diploma (Nursing Licensure, 2012). Some complete an associate degree in nursing at a junior or technical college, while graduates of either an associate or a bachelor's degree program may apply for RN licensure. A typical RN program includes coursework in mental health nursing, health promotion, nursing pharmacology, maternity nursing, nursing management, and medical-surgical nursing. RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN examination (SL Page, 2013; Greenwood, 2014). LPNs, by contrast, complete a minimum of one year of nursing education or a certificate program. Many LPNs complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree (Nursing Licensure).
Bibliography
Greenwood, B. (2014). RN duties vs. LPN duties. Chron: Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
KSBN (2014). Nurse practice act — statutes and administrative regulations. Kansas Board of Nursing. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
NCBon (2014). Delegation and assignment of nursing activities. NC Nursing Board. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
Nursing Licensure (2012). LPNs vs. RNs. Nursing Licensure. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.nursinglicensure.org/articles/lpn-versus-rn.html
SL Page (2013). LPN vs. RN — what are the differences between an LPN and RN? SL Page: RegisteredNurseRN.com. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.registerednursern.com/lpn-vs.-rn-what-are-the-differences-between-an-lpn-and-rn
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