What does a licensed practical nurse do?

I'm considering a career in nursing, and I'm curious about the role of a licensed practical nurse. What are the key duties, and what's day-to-day work like? Any insights on the demands of this job?

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), sometimes also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) depending on the state, is a professional in the healthcare field who performs a variety of tasks under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.

Primary duties would typically include monitoring patients' health by checking vitals like blood pressure and temperature, administering basic patient care including dressing wounds and personal hygiene, keeping meticulous patient records, and in some cases, administering certain medications as per the doctor's instructions. Their range of tasks can vary widely based on their work setting and state regulations.

LPNs often work in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, doctor's offices, and home healthcare services. As an LPN, you can expect your day-to-day work to be fast-paced and patient-focused. The exact duties and responsibilities can fluctuate greatly depending on the healthcare setting and specific patient needs.

In terms of demands, becoming an LPN requires emotional resilience as you'll be working with people in stressful health situations. Physical stamina is also crucial, as LPNs often spend hours on their feet, handling physical tasks such as moving patients. Time management and organizational skills are essential as LPNs manage multiple patients and perform a variety of tasks throughout their shifts. Good communication skills are also important because LPNs interact with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers.

Finally, the schedule can often involve evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, as healthcare facilities typically operate around the clock. If you're considering this path, it's also worth noting that there are opportunities for LPNs to continue their education and advance their career to become Registered Nurses (RN) or pursue other specialties within the healthcare field.