What does a practical nurse do in their job?

I'm curious about what a practical nurse does on a daily basis. Is it mainly assisting doctors and registered nurses, or do they have their own patients? Trying to figure out if this could be a good career path for me.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, has a variety of responsibilities, which may depend on the specific healthcare setting they work in. However, some general tasks and responsibilities are common across most roles.

LPNs often serve as the primary point of contact for patients. In this capacity, they observe and report changes in patients' health conditions to doctors and registered nurses. They take vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, as part of patients' routine check-ups or during their stay in a healthcare facility.

In addition to patient monitoring, LPNs often administer basic care. This can include dressing wounds, giving injections, assisting with personal hygiene, and helping patients with mobility. They can also administer medication to patients, although the level of autonomy in this area can vary widely depending on state laws.

LPNs can have responsibility for managing patient records, updating medical histories, and documenting symptoms and vitals. Also, in some states and healthcare settings, LPNs play a role in administering and interpreting diagnostic tests, providing immunizations, and offering patient education.

So, while LPNs do assist doctors and registered nurses, they also have their own set of responsibilities that directly impact patient care. If you're interested in a career that involves hands-on patient care, interaction, and working in a team, becoming an LPN may be a good fit for you. To get a clearer sense of what this career entails, you might consider shadowing an LPN or conducting informational interviews with healthcare professionals who work alongside LPNs.