Learn About Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Jobs

What's a Licensed Practical Nurse Career Like?

A LPN nurse comforts a patient.

Most Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are generalists who work in all areas of health care, although some LPNs specialize in a particular setting, such as home health care. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. In some settings, such as nursing care facilities, LPNs may supervise nursing aides and orderlies.

In hospitals and long-term care facilities, LPNs usually work normal 40-hour weeks. However, many patients need 24-hour care, so some LPNs work nights, weekends and holidays.

Everyday Tasks in a Licensed Practical Nurse Career

In most settings, licensed practical nurse jobs focus on basic bedside care. Common tasks include:

• Gathering patient health histories
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Preparing and giving injections
• Monitoring patient responses to medication
• Assisting with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene
• Dressing wounds
• Collecting samples for testing
• Cleaning and monitoring medical equipment
• Caring for and feeding infants
• Helping RNs and doctors perform tests and procedures
• Teaching family members how to care for a relative

Skills Needed to be a Licensed Practical Nurse

Caring Personality – Above all, a licensed practical nurse must have a caring, sympathetic nature. LPN jobs are not always easy. A good LPN maintains a patient and professional attitude even when patients are confused, agitated or uncooperative.

Attention to Detail – In order to keep track of all the details of patient care, LPNs must be observant and detail-oriented. When you administer medications or check vital signs, patients' lives are in your hands, and accuracy is essential.

Good Communication Skills – LPN nurses need excellent decision-making and communication skills. You will be working as part of a health care team, under close supervision, so you need to be able to follow orders and work collaboratively.

Ability to Handle Stress – LPNs bear daily witness to pain and aging, and sometimes death. You'll need to develop good self-care practices to withstand the stress and maintain emotional stability. A good sense of humor can go a long way.

Physical Fitness – LPN jobs can be tough on the body. You'll need to stand for long periods, and you'll be helping patients move, stand and walk. You may be at risk for back injuries when moving patients, but you can minimize this risk by staying strong and fit. If you have a disability, you may face additional challenges as a nurse, but support is available. Learn more at www.ExceptionalNurse.com.

Is a Licensed Practical Nurse Career Right For You?

If you're eager to jump into the booming health care field, an LPN career is a great way to get started quickly. With only a year of study, you can be spending your days helping others. The work will sometimes be hard, but if you do it with compassion, you can be sure that you're making a real difference in people's lives. There will always be a need for caring individuals to help the sick, elderly and disabled.

LPN jobs are also a great way to decide if you want to pursue more advanced study in nursing. After gaining some experience, LPNs often go on to become registered nurses through LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN "bridge" programs.

Return to the Nursing School Education Resource Center.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, 2008