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Enhancing Role Clarity for the Practical Nurse: A Leadership Imperative
Sara Lankshear1, Janet Rush, Annette Weeres
1Author Affiliations: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Collaborative Program, Georgian College, Barrie (Dr Lankshear); Healthcare Consultant, Hamilton (Dr Rush); Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, Mississauga (Mss Weeres and Martin), Ontario, Canada.
Practical nurse (PN) role confusion impacts team collaboration. Clarity in nursing roles, especially between registered nurses (RNs) and PNs, is vital for safe patient care and effective teamwork.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Professional Roles
Background:
- Limited research exists on the intraprofessional dynamics between Registered Nurses (RNs) and Practical Nurses (PNs).
- Key areas of concern include role conflict, scope of practice definitions, and team collaboration effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors contributing to role confusion among Practical Nurses (PNs).
- To assess the impact of PN role confusion on intraprofessional team collaboration within nursing.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods research design was employed.
- Data collection involved online surveys and focus groups with RNs and PNs in Ontario.
Main Results:
- A significant variation in understanding the distinct and overlapping scopes of practice for RNs and PNs was observed (N = 1101).
- Consensus was found among participants regarding the importance of respect, teamwork, and leadership's role in defining professional practice.
Conclusions:
- Evolving patient populations and healthcare systems necessitate clear nursing roles for safe patient care.
- Establishing clear professional practice parameters and fostering a culture of collaboration and respect through leadership are crucial.
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