Question

LVN is reading the docs that was written by newly graduated RN. There are numerous spelling errors and grammar is terrible. What should the nurse do?

1. do nothing; an RN is not accountable to an LVN
2. offer to teach new nurse how to document
3. ask charge nurse to review the docs
4. correct spelling errors and initial the changes

Answer 1

The most appropriate action for an 1) LVN who discovers errors in an RN's documentation is to ask the charge nurse to review the documents, ensuring accuracy, a learning opportunity for the new RN, and maintaining patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

When faced with a situation where an LVN notices spelling errors and poor grammar in documentation written by a newly graduated RN, the most professional and supportive course of action would be option 3, asking the charge nurse to review the documents. It is important for all healthcare documentation to be accurate and comprehensible, and despite the hierarchy, patient care and documentation integrity are collective responsibilities.

Instead of correcting the errors themselves, the LVN should bring this to the attention of the charge nurse who can then address the issue directly with the new RN, ensuring both proper documentation and a learning opportunity.

It is essential for a professional healthcare environment to foster growth and learning. It's not just about ensuring clear communication but also about maintaining patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. Offering mentorship or additional training could also be beneficial, which might include reviewing strategies for spell checking and proofreading.