Introduction
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are essential to providing high-quality patient care in interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Nevertheless, they face several difficulties due to changing nursing practices, shifts in population health, socioeconomic factors, demographic shifts, and technological advances. To fulfill the requirements of their position, LPNs must also uphold professional standards and continuously improve their competencies. In addition to discussing ideas from the linked article, this conversation will explore ways to address these difficulties.
Study Review
The study by Song & McCreary (2020) titled “New graduate nurses’ self-assessed competencies: An integrative review” examines the fundamental skills needed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to handle the demands of modern healthcare environments. The research emphasizes the value of soft skills for LPNs, highlighting their role in fostering successful multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care through communication, teamwork, and situational analysis.
One of the study’s strengths is the authors’ objective presentation of the data, bolstered by several citations that lend credence to the conclusions. The resource is highly relevant, especially for LPNs and other nursing professionals, as it provides information applicable across various healthcare settings. Clarifying the research findings, methodologies, and conclusions enhances their usefulness to healthcare practitioners and policymakers.
However, because of the study’s nature, there may be weaknesses. First, investigating the topic might require analyzing nurses’ experiences collected in various settings. Second, the findings might differ across settings, underscoring the need for additional research. Nevertheless, there are strengths, such as the use of the integrative review method. It increases data accuracy and the credibility of findings.
Second, the resource has a respectably high level of clarity. The study topics, methods, and conclusions are well-defined and presented methodically. Moreover, the source is a reputable, peer-reviewed journal, indicating high accuracy of the findings. The authors’ conclusions are trustworthy and can be used in future research.
The study is also essential for understanding the CLPNA competencies and their role in practice. First, to maintain professional competency in compliance with regulatory criteria, such as those established by the CLPNA, LPNs must commit to lifelong learning (Song & McCreary, 2020). Furthermore, LPNs should adhere to existing regulations and enhance their skills to meet existing objectives.
LPNs can promote the use of objective assessment instruments to evaluate hard and soft skills. These instruments should often pinpoint regions in need of development and possess psychometric validity (Song & McCreary, 2020). To further their professional development, LPNs should actively participate in competency evaluations, seek constructive criticism, and create individualized learning plans (Song & McCreary, 2020). Given the growing scope of the challenge, CLPNA competencies and their development play a central role in improving the healthcare sector’s preparedness.
The research results are also crucial for future practice. First, the findings would be pertinent to registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (PNs) in diverse settings, including clinics, hospitals, and communities. They might also apply to other healthcare settings. It means that the specialists would realize the increasing number of responsibilities and functions assigned to them.
It should be followed by the corresponding changes in how these specialists are prepared and in the competencies they may require to function effectively. The general themes and insights on NGN skills and turnover rates may be helpful to healthcare providers and policymakers in different circumstances, even though the specific scenarios may differ. It is vital to consider variations in healthcare and educational methods across different geographical areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the demands of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position within an interdisciplinary healthcare team requires a comprehensive approach that addresses contemporary nursing issues and trends, adapts to shifting population health dynamics, and integrates lifelong learning practices to maintain professional competency. The supplied article emphasizes the value of developing soft skills for new nurses, highlighting their importance in general nursing practice and retention (Song & McCreary, 2020). In their daily practice, soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are vital for LPNs.
Reference
Song Y. & McCreary L. L. (2020). New graduate nurses’ self-assessed competencies: An integrative review. Nurse Education in Practice, 45.
