[Sharon]

Key Findings of the Research- Review the key findings below and discuss in the forum if there is anything that you were expecting but is not listed

• The RPN role is viewed as a valuable member of the health care team in the provision of quality patient care.
• Although frequently used, the phrase scope of practice is not well understood, with most nurses describing scope of practice in terms of tasks or what they are allowed to do in their practice settings
• There continue to exist many misconceptions and old truths, held by both RPNs and RNs, regarding the RPN scope of practice, which contributes to role confusion and underutilization of RPNs (e.g. the misconception that RPNs must work under the direct supervision of RN).
• Leadership has a vital role in setting expectations regarding scope of practice, collaboration, and respect within the practice setting.
• Organizational practices (e.g., policies, procedures, role descriptions, models of care) play a key role in determining the appropriate utilization of RPNs.
• Given the significant degree of overlap between the RPN and RN roles, many nurses and nursing leaders are uncomfortable with the resulting ambiguity and would like a list of who can do what to cover all possible scenarios.

[Samantha]

One comment that resonated with me was noted on page 20 of the article; ” I once had a nurse Manager tell me I was too intelligent to be an RPN, I was RN material…” Although the intended message behind the comment was likely meant to be a compliment, it is incredibly insulting and perpetuates ongoing issues and problems. In order to provide clarity with role/scope it must be a multiple pronged approach- teach about it in the current nursing curriculums, continue to research about it, updating and reviewing of legislation and leadership teams in organization must be tuned into it as well.
Samantha Diceman RPN

[Megan]

One statement that stood out to me in the results findings was the statement “PNs can perform the same controlled acts as the RN”. The RN didn’t agree as much as the PN and the Admin staff, but the Ontario Legislation stated this statement was “true”, which is indicating the lack of knowledge of the RN and their understanding of the full scope of the PN role. The PN are educated on the role of the RN but the RN are not educated on the scope of practice for the PN. I feel that the manager, whom should also be educated, that is overseeing both the PN and RN should educate the RN if unsure of the “scope of practice” of the PN.

[Author]

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