Success in Practical/Vocational Nursing From Student to Leader - Chapter 14
associate degree nursing
A 2-year community college or technical school program. The title registered nurse (RN) is used after passing the NCLEX-RN.
diploma program
A 3 year educational program conducted by a hospital-based school of nursing
bachelor's nursing program
A 4-year nursing program that can be found in public and private colleges and universities.
registered nurse
A member of the nursing team who has gone to nursing school for two, three, or four years and has passed the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) to be registered. The person on the nursing team who functions independently in decision-making regarding the nursing care of patients.
primary care method
A method of patient care in which one nurse is responsible and accountable for care given to patients on all shifts from admission to discharge.
team method
A method of patient care in which small teams of nursing personnel are assigned to give total care to groups of patients.
functional method
A method of patient care that is task-oriented and involves dividing the tasks to be done among staff members according to their abilities.
practical/vocational nurse
A person who performs, for compensation, any basic acts in the care of convalescent, subacutely, or chronically ill, injured, or infirm persons, or any act or procedure in the care of the acutely ill, injured, or infirm under the specific direction of a registered nurse, physician, podiatrist, or dentist.
nurse manager
A registered nurse (RN) who has graduated from a baccalaureate nursing program (4-year) and is enrolled in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
clerk receptionist
Assumes responsibility for many clerical duties in the patient care area.
clinical pathway (care maps)
Blueprint for patient care. Includes time frame of significant events that are expected to occur each day a patient with a specific diagnosis is in the hospital.
interdependent
Both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) collaboratively carry out orders for treatments and medications written by a physician.
certification
Certificate awarded to a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) after passing a comprehensive examination in a select area of practice.
case management method
Focus is on quality, service, and cost
independent
Function without supervision, for example, the registered nurse (RN) role in the nursing process.
unit manager
Has supervisor and management functions for patient units.
skill mix
Health care staff made up of workers with different levels of education and training.
advanced practice
MSN required for certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
nursing assistant
Minimum 75-hour course prepares nursing assistant to give bedside care. Successful completion makes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) eligible for state registry.
general supervision
Supervisor regularly coordinates, directs, or inspects nursing care and is within reach either in the building or by phone.
total patient care
The registered nurse (RN) is responsible for all aspects of patient care: assessing, planning, organizing, and delivering patient care. This model is often used in critical care and specialty health care settings. This model generally does not use licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to provide nursing care.
unlicensed assistive personnel (AP)
Trained by health care organizations to function in an assistive role to registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs). Also known as patient care technicians, patient care associates, nurse extenders, multiskilled workers, unlicensed assistive personnel, and direct care workers.
team leader
an RN from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (2 year) and currently enrolled in an RN to BSN program
nursing case management
focuses on achieving client outcomes within a specified time frame
student nurse
person involved in a course of study to become a nurse
patient-centered care
providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions
standards of care
what a prudent nurse is expected to do
