LPN Guidelines

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Sources of Practical Nursing Guidance

This section summarizes sources of guidance relevant to licensed practical nurses. State boards of nursing publish summaries of scope of practice and regulatory expectations. Facility policies provide detailed instructions for tasks such as medication administration, documentation, and patient monitoring. Specialty nursing guidance offers recommendations for safe bedside care in areas such as wound care, infection prevention, and communication. These sources help LPNs understand their responsibilities and maintain safe practice.

Translating Guidelines Locally

This section explains how to adapt national or facility guidance into local tools that support daily practice. Nursing checklists help standardize tasks such as vital sign collection and patient assessments. Handover templates support clear communication during shift changes. Escalation pathways outline when to notify supervising nurses or physicians. Adapting guidance into practical tools helps LPNs apply standards consistently and safely.

Documentation and Audit Readiness

This section provides guidance on documenting adherence to protocols and preparing for audits. LPNs should record patient care activities accurately and completely. Audit readiness includes maintaining up to date training records, reviewing policy updates, and participating in quality improvement activities. Using audit findings to guide targeted education helps strengthen practice and improve patient outcomes.