LPN Work and Jobs
An LPN or licensed practical nurse works under the direct supervision of a state licensed physician or a registered nurse. All fifty of the United States requires that the NCLEX certification test be taken and passed before issuing an LPN certificate.
An LPN is responsible for the routine care of sick, elderly and disabled patients.
Routine care, defined as a course of detailed care prescribed by a physician, includes accurately taking and recording the vital signs of the patient.
The first four common vital signs include temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration. Additional vital signs are discipline specific, but can include pain, blood oxygen saturation, pupil size and reactivity.
Temperature is determined by using a thermometer. Blood pressure is determined by using a sphygmomanometer or blood pressure meter. Pulse rate is determined by counting the beats per minute felt at the wrist or ankle pulse points. Respiratory rate is determined by counting the number of breaths a patient takes in one minute. These vital signs are written into the patients chart.
The physician depends on the LPN observations to be accurate. Accurate observation and recording patient information is an essential component of diagnosis and effective course of treatment.
LPN work includes wound care, application of hot and cold therapies, monitoring and recording patient intake of food and evacuation of solids and fluids. An LPN will collect blood and additional samples for laboratory analysis as well as administer prescribed medications.
An LPN answers patient questions regarding procedures and tests, as well as prepares the patient and equipment for tests and examinations.
In addition to the cerebral duties described above, LPN work is physically challenging. An LPN must have the strength and balance to transfer patients into and out of beds and wheel chairs during the course of their treatment and convalescence. Patient personal care needs such as toileting and bathing are also part of routine care.
An LPN needs endurance to walk and care for patients’ hours at a time without a break. This is expected work behavior in the health care industry, especially since shift work is often unpredictable.
An LPN comes in direct physical contact with patient body fluids during the course of their work and a medical uniform is required. Rubber gloves face masks, and non-slip sole shoes can be included as parts of the work uniform. Review of infectious disease prevention and safety procedures are part of each workday.
An LPN will work 8 to 12 hours in a shift. That means work is available nights, days, weekends, and holidays.
