In a study conducted at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing, researchers found registered nurses are more likely than licensed practical nurses to identify high-risk medication discrepancies.
Amy Vogelsmeier, associate professor at UMSSN and one of the study's authors, and colleagues examined 32 RNs and 70 LPNs from 12 nursing homes in Missouri.
Here are five takeaways:
1. Researchers found RNs detected medication order discrepancies involving high-risk medications significantly more than LPNs.
2. Despite performing virtually the same responsibilities, earlier research showed that LPNs are more focused on tasks, whereas RNs are more focused on comprehensive assessment and resident safety.
3. According to Ms. Vogelsmeier, distinguishing the differences in how RNs and LPNs perform similar responsibilities and making sure nurses complete the tasks for which they are trained could improve patient care for nursing home residences.
4. Ms. Vogelsmeier was recently inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing.
5. The study was funded by the National Council State Boards of Nursing and published in the Journal of Nursing Regulation.
