A licensed practical nurse (LPN) performs basic medical tasks, including checking vital signs and feeding patients. They maintain clear communication between patients, their families, and caregivers, working under the direction of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.
What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
An LPN provides basic patient care under the supervision of RNs, doctors, and other healthcare providers. They serve as a direct link between patients, their families, and the healthcare team, ensuring clear communication and helping families understand procedures.
LPNs work in various healthcare settings, including:
Nursing homes
Extended care facilities
Hospitals
Physicians’ offices
Private homes (home health care)
The term licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is also used in California and Texas, but LPNs and LVNs require the same certification and perform similar duties.
What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?
LPNs provide basic medical care under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. Their duties vary by state; for example, some states allow LPNs to start intravenous (IV) fluid drips, while others do not. Common duties include:
Monitoring patients’ health: Checking vital signs like blood pressure.
Administering basic medical care: Changing bandages, inserting catheters.
Providing comfort care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Record keeping: Maintaining detailed health records for patients.
Reporting: Communicating patients’ health status to doctors.
Communication: Listening to patients’ concerns and discussing care with families.
Licensed Practical Nurse vs. Registered Nurse
LPNs do not have the full scope of practice of RNs. LPNs are directly involved in patient care and ensure comfort, while RNs typically oversee LPNs, manage care plans, and administer medications. RNs usually have an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
Skills Required for a Licensed Practical Nurse
LPNs need excellent communication skills to interact effectively with healthcare providers and patients' families. A good bedside manner is crucial for patient care. Strong organizational skills are necessary due to the fast-paced nature of the job. LPNs must also tolerate blood and bodily fluids, as they will encounter various challenges while providing care.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
To become an LPN, you need a high school diploma or GED and must enroll in an accredited practical nursing program offered by community colleges or vocational schools. These programs include classroom learning and supervised clinical experience, covering subjects such as nursing, biology, and pharmacology.
After completing the program, you apply for authorization to test through your local board of nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Once authorized, you take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is required to obtain your license. Upon passing the exam, you receive your license and can begin working as an LPN.
Opportunities for career advancement exist, including certification programs in areas such as:
Patient counseling
Intravenous (IV) therapy
Advanced life support
Long-term and hospice care
Many employers also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Duration of LPN Programs
Most LPN programs take one to two years to complete, depending on the specific program and the number of credit hours taken at a time.
