School nurses traditionally work in isolated settings, and don’t have the luxury of seeing other school nurses on a daily basis. Registered nurses do not require supervision by a higher healthcare professional, but can practice independently. Licensed practical nurses (LPN) must be supervised by a registered nurse or licensed physician (UCA 58-31b-102 [15]). Registered school nurses need to show how they are different from LPNs in the school setting, but working to the full extent of their scope of practice.
First you have to know what your scope of practice is. Each state’s Nurse Practice Acts (NPA) are different, so it the duty of each nurse to read and stay familiar with their specific NPA and accompanying Rules. This will allow nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Below is a brief summary of the difference in the scope of practice of both LPNs and RNs in Utah. Please click
here for more detailed information.
If nurses do not work to the full extent of their education and training they may be risking not only the needs of the students they care for, but also may be seen as an unnecessary expense in the school systems.