What exactly do licensed practical nurses do and where can they work? As a nurse, those are usually the questions that you may be asked by some people. Because the LPN's roles are unique, answering such questions can be a bit tough. So here are some of the answers you might be looking for.
1. What is an LPN?
A licensed practical nurse is also called a license vocational nurse and a registered practical nurse. Their names vary depending on the state or country you are in. Generally, license practical nurses are those who have undergone training and have obtained a license that allows them to provide routine care to the sick.
2. What are the roles and responsibilities of an LPN?
An LPN's role in the medical facility depends on the state or country where he or she is working in. In some states, such as Texas, licensed practical nurses have a wide range of roles, making their tasks almost the same as the registered nurses'. They can initiate IV starts, administer medications with an IV push, as well as maintain central lines. There are other states though, like New York, that gives more limits to the LPNs' roles.
Generally, an LPN performs the following:
1. Checking vital signs
2. Wound care
3. Wound dressing changes
4. CPR
5. Finger stick blood sugar testing.
6. Ostomy site care and maintenance.
7. Urinary catheter insertion and care
8. Specimen collection
9. Data collection
10. Monitoring for changes in condition
11. Date collection
12. Medication administration
13. Caring of patients with ventilators and tracheostomies
14. Charting
15. Documentation
3. Who do they report to?
LPNs report to a registered nurse or a physician. They work under their supervision. LPNs are also tasked to oversee and supervise nursing assistants in some medical facilities.
4. Where can LPNs be employed?
LPNs are able to work in acute care hospitals. However, this kind of employment is recently losing popularity, as some states seem to be having issues about the real scope of an LPNs tasks. LPNs can also be employed in hospices, private duty cases, nursing homes, group homes, rehabilitation centers, prisons, assisted living facilities, schools and psychiatric hospitals.
5. What is the main difference between LPNs and RNs?
This may ignite disagreement among nurses, but generally, RNs have a much wider knowledge on pharmacology, pathophysiology, management, legal issues, ethical practices and leadership. This is mainly due to the fact that RNs have a longer educational curriculum and program. In terms of salary, LPNs earn less than Registered Nurses.
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