Licensed Practical Nurse: Role and Responsibilities

Nursing is a sought-after field for people passionate about serving their communities. The nursing career also offers opportunities to grow and pursue different paths. Some nursing roles are more advanced, while others are slightly easier to qualify for. Once you qualify, you can pursue further training and education to advance your career. Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is one path you can consider.

It is easy to confuse LPNs with registered nurses (RNs) because they have titles that sound similar to each other. However, licensed practical nurses have very different responsibilities than registered nurses. Today’s post will discuss what LPNs are and give you a quick overview of their roles and responsibilities.

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

A licensed practical nurse is a healthcare professional who handles several tasks related to taking care of patients and keeping them comfortable in healthcare settings. LPNs typically work as Charge Nurses in long-term care facilities or may be a part of the nursing team in acute care facilities.

Roles & Responsibilities of a Licensed Practical Nurse

The job description of an LPN covers several duties, as they play a major role in various healthcare settings.

Licensed practical nurses are responsible for various tasks in healthcare settings, including:

• Recording a patient’s vitals.
• Helping patients feed and bathe.
• Implementing patient care plans created by physicians or RNs.
• Administering medications to patients.
• Administering tests.
• Changing dressings for wounds.
• Reporting the patient status to a doctor or RN and updating patient charts.
• Function as a charge nurse and manage other healthcare providers.