Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN

What Is an LPN/LVN?

First let me start with what the letters LPN/LVN stand for. An LPN is a licensed practical nurse and a LVN is a licensed vocational nurse. Although the letters differ, the degree is the same. The difference in the title is the state in which you graduated. The position was developed during World War II when licensed nurses were in short supply, and it was taking too long to properly train RNs (Registered Nurses). An LPN can obtain licensing within 2 years, as opposed to the normal 4 years for an RN's license. They are capable of performing the vast majority of an RN's job just as skillfully, with a few exceptions.

Job Duties of a LPN/LVN

LPN/LVN work under the directions of doctors, physicians and registered nurses. The LPN/LVN provide both simple and complex medical care for patients who are in stable condition. Their work is skills-based and supervised by doctors or registered nurses, and they rarely have to make medical decisions. LPN/LVN duties vary by state, but here is a partial list of their responsibilities:

• Measure vital signs and collect blood and urine samples
• Administer medications through IVs
• Maintain patient records
• Observe patients' reactions to medications
• Assist patients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene

Below is a description of a typical work day for a LPN/LVN:

An LPN starts the shift by reporting to the nurse's station. There she receives her daily assignment listing the patients who she is responsible for, providing bedside care until she is relieved by another nurse coming on the next shift. This care includes taking note of vital signs, taking blood samples, monitoring catheters, dressing and suturing wounds, as well as assisting in all the patients' daily needs, down to feeding, bathing and clothing them. LPNs may also be required to do administrative work, filling out health care and insurance forms for their patients. LPN/LVNs work with more than a dozen patients, who may be mentally dazed, hostile, or uncooperative. They also face dangers from contagious diseases as well as injury from mentally deranged patients. These are the daily duties of an LPN, but on top of this they may be required to perform functions as instructed by a physician. They also supervise the duties of CNAs, CHHHAs and PCAs.

Where can LPN/LVNs work?

LPN/LVNs may work in hospitals under the supervision of doctors and nurses or in long-term care facilities where they may supervise nursing assistants and orderlies. Increasingly, Licensed Practical Nurses are providing home care. LPNs may also work in environments like these:

• Outpatient care facilities (including doctor's offices)
• Homes for the elderly (apartments & Assisted Living facilities)
• Government agencies