NCLEX-PN · Coordinated Care · 6 min read
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Referrals
- Differentiate the roles and scopes of practice between the RN and LPN/VN within the interprofessional healthcare team.
- Identify appropriate interdisciplinary referrals based on collected client data and clinical signs.
- Apply standardized communication techniques, including SBAR and closed-loop communication, to report client needs and maintain continuity of care.
Foundations of Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Scope of Practice
Interdisciplinary collaboration involves healthcare professionals from different disciplines working together to optimize client outcomes. The primary goal of this collaboration is to provide coordinated, safe, client-centered care while avoiding duplicate services. Effective teamwork ensures that every aspect of a client's health, from physical strength and nutrition to mental wellbeing and discharge logistics, is addressed comprehensively.
Within this interprofessional model, nursing responsibilities are clearly divided by license scope. The registered nurse (RN) performs the initial comprehensive nursing assessment, develops the nursing plan of care with input from the interprofessional team, and coordinates referrals according to facility policy. Whether a specific referral requires a provider order depends on the service, the care setting, and facility policy; the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) always reports identified referral needs directly to the RN.
The LPN/VN plays an essential role by collecting client data, performing focused checks, and reporting these findings to the RN. Additionally, the LPN/VN reinforces interdisciplinary instructions and care plans that have been established by the healthcare team. When attending interdisciplinary team conferences, the LPN/VN contributes by providing objective data regarding client progress and tolerance of interventions. Ethical collaboration requires all team members to respect the client's autonomy and right to refuse recommended referrals.
Before implementing any interdisciplinary recommendation, the LPN/VN must confirm two key points: that the intervention is within the LPN/VN scope of practice and that any required provider order is in place. If an LPN/VN identifies a potential drug interaction or questions a medication dosage, the LPN/VN does not simply proceed; instead, the nurse reports the concern to the RN and seeks clarification, including pharmacist input as appropriate, before administering the medication.
Common mistakes
- Initiating a direct specialty referral independently rather than reporting collected findings to the RN for coordination according to facility policy.
- Assuming a low serum albumin level alone confirms malnutrition, without recognizing that comprehensive nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian is required.
- Teaching new swallowing maneuvers or introducing adaptive equipment independently instead of reinforcing the specific strategies already assessed and taught by the speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist.
- Delaying reporting of suspected neglect, suicidal ideation, or signs of dysphagia rather than alerting the RN promptly.
Key points
- Interdisciplinary collaboration unites diverse healthcare professionals to deliver safe, client-centered care, prevent duplicate services, and honor client autonomy.
- The RN completes the initial comprehensive assessment, creates the care plan, and coordinates referrals, while the LPN/VN collects focused data, reinforces education, and reports needs to the RN.
- Physical therapists manage gross motor mobility and gait training; occupational therapists manage fine motor skills, ADLs, and adaptive tools; speech-language pathologists evaluate dysphagia and communication.
- Registered dietitians plan nutritional therapies and tube feedings; social workers address financial barriers, discharge logistics, community resources, and protective services.
- SBAR and closed-loop communication ensure structured, accurate interprofessional communication across shift handoffs and care transfers.
- Discharge planning starts at admission; the LPN/VN reinforces RN discharge teaching, checks client understanding of appointments, and identifies home environmental hazards.
Practice this section
Explained NCLEX-PN Coordinated Care questions, no account needed. NCLEX-PN Coordinated Care practice test
The full lesson continues with 3 more sections with exam tips, audio in English and Spanish, 5 Check yourself questions and 20 flashcards.
- 1 month
$53.99$26.99 - 3 months
$158.99$79.49 - Lifetime
$323.99$161.99
One payment, no subscription.
See NCLEX-PN plansAlready a member? Log in
Sample lesson: Prioritizing Care, Client Assignments and Limited Resources25 practice questions on this exam
Each NCLEX-PN practice test has 25 original questions with the answers explained. No account needed.
Open the NCLEX-PN practice testsOriginal lesson written for NCLEX-PN practice · updated October 14, 2026. Exam names are trademarks of their owners; tests.global is not affiliated with them.