Dr. Jim Surrell, Journal columnist

As a physician who has practiced medicine for many years, I have had the honor to be able to work with the nursing staff in multiple hospitals and in medical offices. We are so very blessed in this country to have our dedicated nurses who provide excellent care to our patients who are in need of their expert health care. The majority of interactions with patients is provided by our nurses and they make daily significant contributions to help our patients get better and to be comfortable while receiving their needed health care.

When one is receiving health care services, they may receive care from a Registered Nurse, a Licensed Practical Nurse, or from a Certified Nursing Assistant. They all work as part of the health care delivery team to offer services to those in need. Of course, these various nursing professionals will generally offer the first line of direct patient care and they represent a very major part of overall health care delivery. It was certainly my privilege and my pleasure to be able to work with these multiple health care professionals. Let’s take a look at these various nursing roles that offer care within this great profession.

Registered Nurse (RN) – To become a registered nurse, an individual must first complete their formal nursing education to then become officially licensed to engage in the practice of nursing. The scope of practice of an RN is far-reaching and may include teaching, direction, and supervision of other medical co-workers who also perform various nursing duties. An RN will generally perform their duties under the supervision of a physician, and the physician may delegate in writing to the RN the ordering, receipt, and dispensing of various medications and further care for specific patients. To become an RN in Michigan, an individual must take multiple required courses and receive extensive clinical training, and then pass their nursing licensing examination. A registered nurse may also receive their college Bachelor’s degree, and then choose to continue their formal education to obtain a Masters or Doctoral degree in nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – To become a licensed practical nurse, a person must complete a state-approved education and training program. These programs are generally available at technical schools, numerous colleges, and hospitals. The LPN curriculum includes a large amount of practical experience in a clinical setting. Various job duties for LPNs range from taking and recording patient temperatures, blood pressure, respiration and pulse information to helping with basic day-to-day needs of patients. In addition to recording vital signs, LPNs will monitor and record patient fluid intake and output, treatments given and observing for any unusual behavior or reactions to medications. They may help recovering patients with various ambulation needs, including their bathroom needs, getting in and out of bed, dressing, as well as assisting with feeding and various personal hygiene activities.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – In Michigan, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) may also be referred to as nurse’s aides. To become a CNA, a person must complete some formal education, and then must pass a written exam and assessment of their clinical skills. There are numerous CNA training programs throughout the State of Michigan. Registered nurses and other medical staff personnel directly supervise CNAs. CNAs respond to calls from patients needing assistance. CNAs will help with feeding, help patients with bathing and dressing, and they are also trained to take vital signs, and deliver medical specimens for medical evaluation. CNAs also observe the patient’s moods and mental conditions and give feedback to nursing staff. CNAs have a significant amount of direct contact with the patient, and may be the person the patient sees the most. CNAs are a vital part of healthcare, and they may serve patients in hospitals, nursing care agencies, physician’s offices, and outpatient clinics.

We are indeed fortunate to have many of these highly skilled members of the nursing team serving us all throughout the Upper Peninsula. As part of the health care delivery team, they make many substantial contributions to serve the healthcare needs of so many in need of their professional care.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books.Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.