Licensed practical nurses in critical care areas: intensive care unit nurses' perceptions about the role.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine critical care nurses' perceptions about the reintroduction of the licensed practical nurse into critical care areas.


METHODS
A qualitative research design was used, with focus groups used as the method for data collection.


METHODS
A large midwestern university-affiliated medical center.


METHODS
Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) employed in the medical center's critical care units.


METHODS
RNs and LPNs were interviewed separately in groups of 3 to 8 members. Open-ended questioning was used to collect information about nurses' perceptions concerning the reintroduction of the LPN role into critical care units. Data were analyzed for themes within and across groups.


RESULTS
Registered nurses were unprepared for reintroduction of the role and were unsure of legal versus hospital-directed restrictions on LPN practice. LPNs were frequently placed in situations in which they assumed patient assignments outside those described in job descriptions or unit standards.


CONCLUSIONS
When LPNs are reintroduced into critical care units, clear descriptions of roles and responsibilities are needed as is orientation of RNs to the roles of delegator and resource nurse.
Ingersoll
G L
GL
Indiana University School of Nursing, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004506:Education, Nursing; D004522:Educational Status; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D007587:Job Description; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009746:Nursing, Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D000078329:Workforce