You've probably heard of a 'Licensed Practical Nurse', right? Or an `(LPN)`. So who is this `(LPN)`? What do they do? Let's talk about it in detail, very simply, today. You might also be interested in knowing about this, because these are people we often encounter in the healthcare field and who help us.
Who exactly is an LPN?
Simply put, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nurse who provides basic care to patients. However, they do not work alone. They usually work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs), doctors, and other healthcare providers.
Think of it this way: an LPN is an important liaison between the patient, the patient's family, and the healthcare team, including doctors. They must maintain clear communication between all of them. They also help the patient's family understand common medical procedures and teach them how to take good care of their loved ones. This means that their role goes beyond simply administering medication or dressing wounds. It is a very responsible one.
Where do LPNs work the most?
An LPN can work in a variety of healthcare settings. Check out this list:
- Nursing homes: Places where the elderly or those who need special care are cared for.
- Extended care facilities: Places where patients who need care for a long period of time are housed.
- Hospitals : This is a place we all know and visit frequently.
- Physicians' offices: They are also located in places like a doctor's call center.
- Private homes (home health care): Some patients are cared for at home, right? We also encounter `(LPN)` in such services.
You may have also heard of `Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)`. In fact, `(LPN)` and `(LVN)` are almost the same thing. The certifications, licensure, and duties required for them are almost the same. The only difference is that the licensing agencies in the states of California and Texas in the United States use the term `(LVN)` instead of `(LPN)`. So, although the name is slightly different, the service provided is the same.
What are the main duties of an LPN?
A Licensed Practical Nurse provides basic medical care. As we mentioned earlier, they work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses (`RNs`). Some states/counties have laws that require an `(RN)` to supervise an `(LPN)`. Also, some `(LPN)`s` can only perform certain tasks under the direct supervision of a doctor or an `(RN)`.
The duties of an LPN may vary slightly depending on the laws and regulations of the state or country in which they work. For example, in some places, LPNs are allowed to give intravenous fluids (IV) (we call it saline) and give medications through an IV. In other places, they are not allowed to do these things. In many places, LPNs can also do blood draws, but the laws regarding this may vary slightly from place to place.
These are some of the main things an LPN typically does:
- Monitoring the health status of patients: This includes things like checking a patient's blood pressure and other vital signs . These are the first things that give an idea of a patient's condition.
- Providing basic medical care: Things like applying medicine to wounds , changing bandages , and inserting catheters .
- Providing basic comfort: Things like helping patients bathe, dress, and eat. While these may seem like small things, they are very important for a patient to stay mentally and physically healthy.
- Record Keeping: It is essential for LPNs to keep detailed records of each patient's health condition, as these records are the basis for making decisions about the patient's treatment .
- Reporting: Informing doctors and other healthcare providers about a patient's health status. Providing accurate, timely information ensures that the patient receives the best possible care.
- Communication: An LPN must listen carefully to what patients have to say. They must help alleviate their fears and doubts. They must also communicate with the patient's family about the care they are providing.
Imagine, an LPN is the first person we meet in a hospital, listens to our concerns, and helps us. Their service is invaluable. They are often the ones who are closest to the patient and take care of them.
What are the main differences between an LPN and an RN?
Now you might be wondering, 'So what's the difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Registered Nurse (RN)?' Although both are nurses, there are some differences in their responsibilities and educational levels.
Simply put, an RN has a broader scope of practice than an LPN . LPNs are directly involved in patient care. They try to keep patients comfortable while performing basic medical tasks.
RNs typically supervise LPNs and may have a more management role . RNs administer medications and perform other complex medical tasks. However, they work more closely with the patient's doctor. RNs are more involved in creating care plans, administering treatments, and managing the patient's overall health.
Another important thing is that there is a difference in the level of education and training between an `(RN)` and an `(LPN)` . To become a `Registered Nurse (RN)`, you need to have either an `Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)` or a `Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)`. An `(LPN`)` requires a shorter period of training and certification.
What skills do you need to become an LPN?
A person who wants to become an LPN must have certain special skills. Because this is not an easy job. This is a service that must be done from the heart.
- Excellent communication skills: RNs must be able to communicate effectively with doctors and other healthcare providers. They must also be able to convey information to patients and their families in a kind, clear, and understandable manner. Good bedside manner is an important aspect of patient care. The way you talk to a patient and treat them can greatly affect their well-being.
- Compassion and dedication: Those who truly have the desire, passion, and compassion to help and care for others are the ones who succeed as a `(LPN)`. This is not just a job, it is a service.
- Strong organizational skills: Licensed Practical Nursing is a fast-paced, demanding profession. The health and well-being of a patient depends on an LPN's ability to multi-task and manage information in an organized manner.
- Patience and ability to handle pressure: When working with patients, you must be able to work patiently and without panicking in emergency situations.
- Tolerance for blood and bodily fluids: LPNs have to see, smell, and touch many things while caring for patients. Not everyone can handle these challenges. So, you have to think about these things too.
That means, an LPN is not just someone who has medical knowledge, but also someone who must have many qualities such as humanity, patience, organizational skills, and kindness.
What do you need to do to become an LPN? How does that journey go?
Okay, now that you're interested in becoming an LPN, this is the way to go. It's a journey that requires some hard work, but the rewards are well worth it.
First, you need to have a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development test) . Then, you need to enroll in an accredited practical nursing program. These programs are usually offered at community colleges and vocational schools. "Accredited" means that the program has been certified to teach and maintain a certain standard. Therefore, it is important to check if the program is accredited when choosing a program.
Licensed Practical Nursing education is a combination of classroom learning and supervised hands-on clinical experience . You will study subjects such as:
- Nursing
- Biology
- Pharmacology
- Basic Medicine and Physiology
After you have successfully completed the LPN certification course, you will need to apply for permission to sit for the exam. You will need to apply through your local board of nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (these are often referred to in the American system, but in Sri Lanka you will need to contact the relevant nursing authority).
Once you are approved, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) (or its local equivalent). Like in every state/province, passing this exam is a mandatory requirement to become an LPN. Once you pass the exam, you will be licensed. You can then begin working as an LPN.
There are many opportunities for an LPN to advance their career. Certification programs offered through professional associations are an example of this. Completing such courses proves that you have extensive knowledge in a specific field. Some of these certification programs include:
- Patient counseling certification
- Intravenous (IV) therapy certification
- Advanced life support certification
- Long-term and hospice care certification
Many employers, or job seekers, prefer people who have Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. Therefore, it is very important to have such training, as it can help save a life in an emergency.
How long does it usually take to become an LPN?
Most people take one to two years to complete an LPN program. However, this time frame can vary depending on the course you choose and the number of credit hours you take at a time. Some people complete the program more quickly if they study full-time, while others take it a little longer if they study part-time.
So, what do we take home from this story?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a person who provides basic care to patients and plays a very important role in the healthcare field. They usually work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a doctor. LPNs perform basic medical tasks such as checking vital signs and administering medications. They are also an important liaison between the patient, the patient's family, and the healthcare team. There are many responsibilities assigned to an LPN.
The next time you go to the doctor, you may also work with a ``(LPN)``. Don't forget to appreciate their service and support them! Because they do a very tiring, but also very satisfying job.
` Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN, Nursing, Patient Care, Registered Nurse, RN, Health Care, Medical Professions, Nursing Practice
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