What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs: What They Do and Why Demand is Growing
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, play a vital role in the healthcare industry. LPNs provide basic medical care and support to patients and work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or physicians. They are responsible for a range of tasks across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health services.
Our focus is to unite passionate pharmacists with positions that align with your skills, interests, and scheduling preferences. With an extensive network in the U.S. healthcare landscape, our team is devoted to finding the perfect match tailored to your unique qualifications, ensuring you can focus on providing patient-centered care.
If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and take your pharmacy career to the next level, we invite you to complete the form below. Should your qualifications meet our criteria, our team will reach out for further discussions.
Types of LPNs:
What Are the Typical Duties and Responsibilities of a LPN?
1. Administering Medications and Treatments
LPNs are trained to administer medications, including oral, injectable, and topical drugs, as prescribed by healthcare providers. They ensure proper dosage and monitor patients for any adverse reactions. In addition to medications, LPNs may also provide treatments such as wound care, dressings, and applying splints or braces under the supervision of an RN or physician.
2. Monitoring Patient Vital Signs
LPNs are responsible for monitoring and recording vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate of patients. They keep a close watch on any changes and promptly report any concerns to the healthcare team. This information helps doctors and RNs assess the overall health condition of the patients.
3. Assisting with Patient Care
LPNs help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. They also ensure patient comfort by keeping them clean, well-groomed, and providing emotional support. LPNs may assist in transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs or help them with walking exercises.
4. Collecting and Documenting Patient Information
LPNs are responsible for collecting patient information, including medical history, symptoms, and current health status. They carefully document this information in medical records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. LPNs may also assist in updating treatment plans and communicating patient progress to the healthcare team.
5. Providing Basic Medical Care
LPNs perform basic medical procedures, such as dressing wounds, applying sutures or staples, and inserting catheters. They may also conduct routine lab tests, such as collecting blood samples and performing urine tests. LPNs help patients with the preparation for diagnostic procedures, provide pre-operative and post-operative care, and assist in managing chronic conditions.
Required Qualifications and Skills for LPNS
Hard Skills
- Must be able to perform a variety of clinical skills, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing wound care
- Should be able to use electronic health records (EHRs) and other computer applications to document patient care
- Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals
- Need to be able to organize their work and prioritize tasks to provide efficient and effective patient care
- Must be able to identify and solve problems in a timely and effective manner
Soft Skills
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. This includes verbal, written, and listening skills.
- Caring and empathetic towards patients. They need compassion to understand patient needs.
- Strong attention to detail is critical to avoid medical errors. LPNs must be meticulous in following instructions and protocols.
- Collaborate with RNs, doctors, and other staff. They need teamwork skills to work effectively within the healthcare team.
- Juggle numerous responsibilities. Time management and organizational skills are essential.
- Critical thinking abilities to identify changes in patient status and make appropriate decisions.
- Emotional stability to provide quality care in challenging situations.
Qualifications
- Monitoring patients’ health by checking vital signs, bandages, and equipment
- Administering basic patient care like changing bandages, inserting catheters, and collecting samples for testing
- Maintaining accurate patient records including medical history, treatment plans, progress notes, and vital signs
- Assisting patients with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and eating
- Communicating any changes in patient condition to nurses and doctors
- Educating patients and families on proper care, illnesses, and post-treatment services
- Administering medication, IVs, and injections under RN or physician supervision
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