Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), also referred to as a licensed vocational nurse, plays a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing personal care to patients and supporting medical professionals in various settings. LPNs are responsible for tasks such as documenting vital signs, preparing patients for procedures, administering medications, and assisting with daily living activities, including bathing and feeding. They typically work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses and are often found in environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
The work environment for LPNs is usually fast-paced and involves a range of responsibilities that may vary based on state regulations and employer requirements. To become an LPN, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing program, which can take about a year, and obtain a license to practice. The profession is characterized by a strong emphasis on patient care, requiring qualities such as empathy, good communication skills, and the ability to work in team settings. Many LPNs enjoy the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives while also having the potential for career advancement in healthcare.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Science, mathematics, medical procedures, helping others, communicating with others, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $54,620 per year $26.26 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award; state-approved program; license
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as "licensed vocational nurses," provide personal care to patients and administrative assistance to medical professionals. LPNs document patient vital signs, prepare patients for injections, dress and re-dress bandages, clean wounds and sores, and give massages. Working under the supervision of doctors, nurse managers, and registered nurses, many LPNs perform routine medical tests and assist in medical procedures. They also ease the workloads of doctors and registered nurses by performing administrative tasks, such as organizing, updating, and filing patient records. LPNs frequently work in retirement homes and rehabilitation centers, contributing to the cleanliness, nutrition, and comfort of the elderly, people with disabilities, and those convalescing.
Work Environment. LPNs typically work in medical facilities, including hospitals, medical office buildings, nursing and retirement homes, and healthcare clinics. These settings are clean, well-organized, and busy. LPNs usually work with many patients during the course of a single day’s shift. They normally work forty hours per week (as dictated by an established schedule), although, in some facilities, they may work longer hours or on nights, weekends, and/or holidays. They may also work different shifts on different days. LPNs must also stay on their feet during a long shift, sometimes lifting patients, and handle stress caused by high caseloads, emergency situations, and uncooperative patients.
Occupation Interest. LPNs play an important role in providing comfort and personal care to patients. LPNs lighten the workloads of doctors and registered nurses by performing administrative tasks and basic medical procedures. Prospective LPNs tend to be helpful, patient, and concerned about the well-being of others. They should demonstrate good judgment, work well in team settings, and thrive under stress. The educational training required for LPNs is not as lengthy or intensive as that of a registered nurse, and working as an LPN can lead to more advanced healthcare positions.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. LPNs have varied duties and responsibilities based largely on the state restrictions and type of employer. Generally, LPNs carefully monitor patients, log medications and intravenous fluids on patient charts, track patient nutrition and waste elimination, report changes in patient condition, take vital signs, dress and re-dress wounds, and collect blood and urine samples for analysis. They also perform tasks relative to the patient’s comfort, which may include helping with meals and dressing, providing alcohol rubs and sponge baths, treating bedsores, administering enemas, and giving massages. LPNs are also responsible for sterilizing, organizing, and assembling medical equipment for use on a patient. In some states, LPNs may be qualified to administer medications and participate in more intensive medical procedures, such as delivering infants.
Additionally, LPNs serve as information resources for patients and their families. They take part in conversations between doctors, registered nurses (RNs), and other medical professionals regarding patient care and relay the plan of action in simple, intelligible terms. They frequently help patients or patient families to fill out insurance forms, medical authorizations, and other important documents. LPNs also educate patients on the steps necessary to improve their health, such as taking medications on time, adhering to special diets, and adjusting their lifestyles. Furthermore, LPNs help train family members on how to care for their loved ones by providing diets, exercise regimens, medication schedules, and other useful guidelines.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. LPNs generally work in medical settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and medical offices. These facilities are typically busy, clean, and orderly. Due to the nature of their work, LPNs may be exposed to contagious illnesses, toxic chemicals and radiation, sharp medical instruments, and blood and other bodily fluids. Because LPNs are on their feet for most of their shifts and may be required to lift patients, muscle strains and related injuries are common.
Human Environment. In addition to patients and their families, LPNs interact with medical students, medical technicians, emergency personnel (such as emergency medical technicians), volunteers, and administrative staff. LPNs must take direction from RNs, nurse managers, physicians, and hospital administrators. Experienced LPNs may act as supervisors to nursing assistants, aides, and interns.
Technological Environment. LPNs must use a wide range of medical equipment, including hypodermic and intravenous needles, catheterization tubes, fetal heart monitors, enema kits, nebulizers, spirometers, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers. To fulfill their administrative tasks, they must use electronic medical record (EMR) software as well as office management and calendar programs.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students are encouraged to take biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, and other science courses. They should also study mathematics as well as nutrition, child development, psychology, and first aid. Courses that develop communication skills, such as English, are also very useful.
Postsecondary. Aspiring LPNs must complete a state-approved nursing program through accredited junior and community colleges and vocational schools. Such programs last about a year, although associate’s degree programs in this field are two-year programs. In addition to intensive study in patient care, LPN candidates enrolled in these programs must have practical training in a medical setting. LPNs must obtain a license before they may begin practicing.
Related Occupations
− Emergency Medical Technician
Bibliography
"Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 7 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm. Accessed 7 Sept. 2023.