Licensed Practical Nurse Career

A career as a licensed practical nurse can be a rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys helping patients through recovery periods. Also referred to as LPN, this medical profession typically requires at least two years of specialized training. The position often reports to a registered nurse. A licensed practical nurse may work in a hospital, nursing home, clinic or provide in-home care.

What are the duties of a licensed practical nurse?
Most duties will depend on the health care facility where the LPN is employed. Generally, a licensed practical nurse provides basic nursing care such as patient recovery, monitoring conditions, health screening and prevention duties. A LPN may work all patients, from infants to the elderly.

Working directly with patients, the LPN may help patients bathe, dress or other personal hygiene care. Some are responsible for programs that promote the health and well-being of patients. This may include conducting assessments, developing programs and evaluation the program effectiveness to meeting objectives.

The training that a licensed practical nurse receives provides preparation for prioritizing health conditions and intervention techniques. This training identifies situations that may need emergency, complex or urgent care.

Additional potential responsibilities of an LPN:
Some advanced duties for a licensed practical nurse may also vary based on the healthcare facility. The restrictions and requirements of individual states may also preclude which duties are appropriate for an LPN. In some states, a LPN might administer medication and take samples of bodily fluids for testing. Other states may allow licensed practical nurses to monitor catheters.

What is the working environment like for an LPN?
The working environment for licensed practical nurses is similar to a nursing assistant and registered nurse. Contact with a variety of illness and disease is a common occurrence. Having up-to-date vaccines and preventive medical care is important for anyone considering a career in the medical field. The physical ability to lift patients and provide assistance with walking and sitting is essential. A licensed practical nurse might have to bathe patients. It is important to know how to lift patients without causing physical harm.

Training to become a licensed practical nurse:
Anyone who wants to become a licensed practical nurse will need to complete the required training. Most programs are for one or two years and prepare students to sit for state exams. Typical course include physiology, anatomy, patient care and laboratory procedures. Completing a career assessment is a useful tool to determine whether a person has the aptitude to pursue a career as an LPN. The assessment may help to save time and money before investing in an unsuitable career.

Medical and healthcare careers related to the LPN field:

• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing
• Nursing Aid
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician Assistant
• Physician