(1) Registered Nurses:

(2) Licensed Practical Nurses:

The registered nurse performs acts that require substantial knowledge, judgment and skill based on the principles of biological, behavioral, health, and nursing sciences. Such acts are grounded in the elements of the nursing process which includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, analysis, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care and health teaching in the maintenance and the promotion of health or prevention of illness of others and the support of a dignified death. The registered nurse using specialized knowledge can perform the activities of administration, supervision, delegation and evaluation of nursing practice; and

The licensed practical nurse performs services requiring knowledge, skill and judgment necessary for carrying out selected aspects of the designated nursing regimen. The licensed practical nurse recognizes and is able to meet the basic needs of the client, and gives nursing care under the direction and supervision, to clients in routine nursing situations. A routine nursing situation is one that is relatively free of complexity, and the clinical and behavioral state of the client is relatively stable, requires care based upon a comparatively fixed and limited body of knowledge. In complex nursing care situations the licensed practical nurse functions as an assistant to the registered nurse and facilitates client care by carrying out selected aspects of the designated nursing regimen to assist the registered nurse in the performance of nursing care; and

(3) Registered Nurses:

(4) Licensed Practical Nurses:

The registered nurse functions in an independent role when utilizing the nursing process as defined in WAC 246-840-700(2) to meet the complex needs of the client.

The licensed practical nurse functions in an interdependent role to deliver care as directed and assists in the revision of care plans in collaboration with the registered nurse.

The licensed practical nurse functions in a dependent role when executing a medical regimen under the direction and supervision of an advanced registered nurse practitioner, licensed physician and/or surgeon, dentist, osteopathic physician and/or surgeon, physician assistant, osteopathic physician assistant, podiatric physician and/or surgeon, or naturopathic physician. A licensed practical nurse may not accept delegation of acts not within his or her scope of practice.

In an interdependent role as a member of a health care team, the registered nurse functions to coordinate and evaluate the care of the client and independently revises the plan and delivery of nursing care.

 

The registered nurse functions in an interdependent role when executing a medical regimen under the direction of an advanced registered nurse practitioner, licensed physician and/or surgeon, dentist, osteopathic physician and/or surgeon, physician assistant, osteopathic physician assistant, podiatric physician and/or surgeon, or naturopathic physician. A registered nurse may not accept delegation of acts not within his or her scope of practice.

This shall not be construed as authorizing an independent role for the LPN.