ABSTRACT
Scope of practice of nursing roles is continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of patient populations and the healthcare system and to reflect changes in legislation, regulation and education requirements. As such, leaders must embrace the impermanence of scope of practice rather than constructing mental models, policies and practices as if the foundation will never change. Impermanence is the only constant, as the complexities within healthcare require that nurses be knowledgeable and flexible to fully leverage our individual and collective contributions to not only our patients but also our profession.
Subject(s)
Licensure, Nursing/trends , Nurse's Role/psychology , Uncertainty , Humans , Licensure, Nursing/legislation & jurisprudence , Ontario , ThinkingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine factors contributing to practical nurse (PN) role confusion and the impact on nursing intraprofessional team collaboration. BACKGROUND: There is limited literature describing the intraprofessional relationship of the RN and PN in areas such as role conflict, scope of practice, and team collaboration. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used targeting Ontario RNs and PNs, including an online survey and focus groups. RESULTS: Results (N = 1101) revealed varying levels of knowledge regarding the distinct and overlapping scope of practice for each role, with shared opinions regarding areas such as respect, teamwork, and the role of leadership. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses' roles will continue to evolve in response to changes in patient populations and healthcare systems. As such, role clarity is essential to support optimal use of nursing knowledge for safe patient care. Leadership is key to establishing parameters for professional practice and creating a culture of collaboration and respect.
Subject(s)
Interprofessional Relations , Leadership , Nurse's Role , Nursing, Practical , Humans , Ontario , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Although a number of factors such as legislation, regulatory frameworks, healthcare system structures and supports impact the optimization of nursing roles, a new look at the nursing process can provide a strong foundation. This article discusses the ambiguity related to the expansion of the licensed practical nurse role over the past 67 years and provides evidence that nurses and healthcare executives, including nurse leaders, still have difficulty in clearly articulating the overlap in categories of nurse, despite the frameworks and tools available to support decision-making. To provide safe, high-quality care using effective and efficient models of care, every category of nurse is essential and role clarity must begin with understanding how to focus on knowledge and knowledge application to make effective decisions in daily practice.
