Licensed Practical Nursing Defined

 An LPN's job description may be slightly different from one health care facility to the next. Nonetheless, there are quite a few common threads that can be found - especially where patient care is concerned. 

As a matter of fact, regardless of whether the LPN is employed at a clinic, senior care center or general hospital, the physician's and RNs who supervise them will likely assign very similar duties.

The Basic Duties Of An LPN

Putting aside those tasks assigned to practical nurses who have earned a specialized certificate, the list of duties performed by most LPNs is primarily populated with daily patient care assignments. These usually include: collecting patient information, monitoring vital signs, providing assistance with hygiene and meals and assisting other members of the medical team with patient rehabilitation and education.

When one considers the fact that the LPN spends more time in direct contact with the patient than any other health care staff member, it is not surprising that they are also counted on by physicians and other nurses for things like updates on patient well-being, moods, etc. This vital, but sometimes forgotten, aspect of the practical nurse's job is dependent upon the LPN forming good relationships with his or her patients.

The Responsibilities Of Specialized Practical Nurses

Because of an increased need for specialization throughout the health care community, many LPN programs (even some online classes) have begun offering specialized certificate programs. Students who earn these certifications go on to fill very specific roles that ordinary LPNs would be ineligible for. Perhaps the most common of these specialized practical nursing certifications is for home care.

Working as a home care specialist, LPNs usually work with seniors in either assisted care communities or private homes. Their typical day consists of developing and implementing treatment and personal care plans for their patients, assisting with meal preparation, bathing, cleaning of living quarters, and even planning entertainment and other activities.

Physical Demands Of The LPN Job

Across almost all types of workplaces, the LPN will be asked to perform some duties that can be physically demanding. These often include: moving patients from gurneys to beds and vice versa, assisting with walking and, as previously mentioned, helping with changing clothes and bathing. It is also quite common for LPNs to spend the entirety of their shifts on their feet, which can be tiring in of itself.

Why The LPN Job Description Is Appealing

The opportunity to work closely with patients and play a significant role in their recovery appeals to a great many people. Because of this, the level of job satisfaction enjoyed by the typical LPN is generally quite high. If you are the type of person who likes to help others, and likes to see immediate results from your efforts, working as a practical nurse may be your dream job.