What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?
Licensed practical nurses are generalists who care for patients in a variety of settings. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) are two different designations for the same level of nurse. California and Texas are the only states in the U.S. to use the LVN designation.
To become an LPN, one must complete a state-approved training program, which typically takes about one year and is offered at vocational schools, technical schools, and community colleges. After completing an LPN training program, the student must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Professional Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse.
An LPN's Daily Tasks
Most licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses and are responsible for providing basic bedside care for patients. Some of the most common daily tasks of an LPN include:
- Measuring and documenting a patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, height, weight, temperature, pulse, and respirations
- Bathing, dressing, and cleaning patients
- Assisting patients by feeding them and helping them walk.
- Licensed practical nurses also can prepare and administer medications orally or through injections.
- Patient monitoring, such as observing patients for positive or adverse reactions to treatments or medications.
- Assist physicians or registered nurses with procedures and tests.
- Supervise nursing assistants or aides.
Where They Work
Most licensed practical nurses work in hospitals or personal care facilities, and a typical work week is 40 hours long. If an LPN is not available for full-time work, he or she might be able to work part time, or on a per diem or on-call basis. In settings that involve 24-hour care, LPNs may be required to work nights or weekends. Additionally, licensed practical nurses are often on their feet for considerable amounts of time, and they might be exposed to infectious diseases, radiation, and chemicals. It is essential that an LPN take the proper safeguards and precautions in order to protect their own health, as well as the health of their patients.
Characteristics of Successful LPNs
There are a number of important characteristics a licensed practical nurse should possess in order to be successful.
First and foremost, an LPN must have a caring personality. An LPN's biggest and most important job is to care for patients. It takes patience, professionalism, and compassion to provide high-quality nursing care.
Another essential characteristic is that licensed practical nurses work well on a team. There are many individuals involved in patient care, from physicians to nurses, aides, social workers, and other personnel. LPNs should be able to work collaboratively and carry out orders and assignments.
An LPN should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Charting and documentation are important tools for facilitating communication between healthcare workers. If an LPN cannot chart in a comprehensive manner, this might hinder a doctor's ability to treat a patient.
Nursing can be a stressful career. On a daily basis, nurses experience a variety of emotions that stem from a strenuous workload, or possibly the death of a patient. A successful LPN will participate in proper stress relievers, such as yoga, or they will possess a sense of humor that helps relieve tension.
Licensed practical nurses must be detail-oriented since accuracy is so important to providing quality care.
Additionally, an LPN should possess a great love of learning. Some states require that LPNs complete continuing education courses in order to maintain licensure, and even in states where these courses are not required LPNs should be interested in learning more about this constantly evolving career.
Article Source:
Licensed Practical Nurse. Org: The First Step Toward an LPN Career
Published at: 01/09/2015
