I'm considering different nursing careers, and I'm curious about the role of a practical nurse. What are their typical daily responsibilities, and what kind of training or education is needed to become one?
A practical nurse, also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), is a crucial healthcare professional who operates under the guidance of registered nurses or physicians. They have a range of responsibilities that can vary based on the healthcare setting they're in, but some common duties usually include:
1. Basic patient care: This involves things like bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding patients who require assistance.
2. Monitoring vital signs: LPNs are often responsible for taking and tracking patients' blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
3. Administering medication: Under the supervision a registered nurse or physician, an LPN can administer medications to patients.
4. Assisting with diagnostics and performing laboratory tests: LPNs can assist in collecting samples for tests, performing routine laboratory tests, and recording test results.
5. Educating patients and their families: LPNs often provide information to patients and their families about health conditions and treatment plans.
As for the education and training necessary to pursue this career, you'd typically need to complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which often takes about a year. These programs usually provide both classroom instruction in biology, pharmacology, and nursing, and supervised clinical experience.
Once you complete the program, you'll need to pass a licensure examination, called the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses), to get your license to practice. It's also a good idea to pursue continuing education and seek opportunities for specialization in particular areas of healthcare. It's important to note that each state may have slightly different requirements for practical nurses, so be sure to consult your state's Board of Nursing for the most accurate information.
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