Licensed Practical Nurse
The Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, provides patients with the essential care they need during their stay in a hospital. LPNs also assist Registered Nurses and Doctors with maintaining records, facilitating efficient communication between different members of the care team, and helping patients’ families understand how to better care for their loved ones.
Core Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops and revises care plans under the guidance of a Registered Nurse
- Manages care plans by administering care or by supervising nursing duties that are delegated to nursing assistants
- Regularly checks patients’ vital signs following established company policies or at the LPN’s discretion where needed
- Take measures to ensure patients’ comfort
- Create and maintain accurate records of care administered to patients
- Reporting significant findings or changes to the nurse in charge or physician
- Conduct daily rounds to ensure the standard of patient care
- Administering medications
- Collecting specimens for testing
- Maintaining a clean, safe, organized workspace
Education and Experience
- Some positions may require a college degree in nursing or a related field, or equivalent state certificate
- Some positions prefer previous experience working with a population being served in a nursing capacity
- A current LPN license in your state of residence
Exceptional written and oral communication skills are important – the LPN must be able to effectively communicate with team members, physicians, patients, and their families