Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN Job Description

Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN Job DescriptionLicensed Practical Nurse - LPN Job DescriptionA licensed practical nurse cares for sick, injured, convalescing, or disabled patients. He or she works under the direction of registered nurses. A licensed practical nurse is commonly called an LPN. An alternative job title for this occupation is licensed vocational nurse, often abbreviated as LVN. Quick Facts Licensed practical nurses earn amedian annual salaryof $45,030 (2017).724,500 people are employed in this occupation (2016).Most work in nursing and residential care facilities and hospitals.Jobs are usually full-time, butabout 20 percent of LPNs work part-time.The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an excellent job outlook for this occupation. The government agency gives it the Bright Outlook designation which it reserves for professions with the best prospects for the future. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. A D ay In a Licensed Practical Nurses Life Job announcements onIndeed.comrevealed that LPNs have the following job duties Performtechnical patient care and related clerical functions in the urgent care setting by coordinating all elements of the patient visit.Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the needs of each resident are met.Obtainand documentpatient histories.Observethe resident for change in physical, social, or mental status and document signs and symptoms and status of residents and related matters through written/oral reports to RN/RN Manager/ Supervisor/ Designee/ Medical Staff and Family as indicated. Assure proper procedures are followed at all times.Assist and oversee distribution of food trays. Education and Licensing Requirements The first step toward fulfilling theeducational requirementsfor aspiring LPNs is the completion of a state-approved, year-long, training program in nursing. These programs are usually offered by technical and vocati onal schools or community and junior colleges. Some high schools, four-year colleges and universities, and hospitals also provide training for aspiring LPNs. Formal training consists of a combination of classroom study and supervised clinical practice. After finishing school, you will have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based exam that is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. What Soft Skills Do You Need? In addition to formal education andtechnical skills, specificsoft skills, abilities with which you were either born or developed through life experience, will allow you to succeed in this field. InterpersonalYou must be able to establish a rapport with your patients.CompassionIt is essential that you care about your patients well-being and can demonstrate this through your actions.CommunicationExcellent speaking and listening skills are imperative.Problem Solving You will need the ability to recognize problems and come up with solutions to rectify them.Attention to DetailSince small mistakes can have dire consequences, it is essential to pay careful attention to even the smallest details. The Difference Between an LPN and RN Both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses provide direct patient care for patients in healthcare facilities, butthey have different job duties and education, training, and licensing requirements. Their jobs include providing basic care and monitoring patients health. LPNs have restrictions regarding some specific duties, depending on the state in which they work. In some states,they are allowed to provide more advanced care like administering medication and setting up intravenous drips, while in others they are permitted to perform these tasks only under an RNs supervision. RNs and LPNs both need formal training but registered nurses must earn abachelors of science degree,associate degree, or a diploma in nursing. This usually means spending between two and four years in school. More rigorous training and greater responsibilities mean a higher salary for registered nurses than for LPNs. They earn a median annual salary of $70,000 (2017). How LPNs Can Advance Experienced licensed practical nurses sometimes supervise nursing assistantsand aides. Some LPNs become credentialed in specialty areas such as IV therapy, gerontology, long-term care, and pharmacology. Licensed practical nurses can also enroll in LPN-to-RN training programs to become registered nurses. What Employers Will ExpectFrom You Job announcements on Indeed.com listed the following requirements in addition to training and experience Maintaina professional attitude and dress at all timesFamiliarity with medical terminologyComputer literacy a mustCapacity to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobilityAbility to stand for extended periodsAbility to elicit and discuss personal information in a non-judgmental manne r Is This Career a Good Fit for You? For a career to be suitable, it should match yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related values. Do aself assessmentto find out if you have the following traits Interests(Holland Code) SRC(Social, Realistic, Conventional)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ESFP, ESFJ, ISFJ, orISFPWork-Related Values Relationships, Support, Achievement Take This Quiz Should You Become a Licensed Practical Nurse? Occupations With Related Activities and Tasks TitleDescriptionAnnual Salary (2017)Educational RequirementsVeterinary TechnicianAssists veterinarians in caring for animals$33,400Associate Degree in Veterinary TechnologySurgical TechnologistAssists the members of an operating room team$46,310Associate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in Surgical TechnologyRespiratory TherapistTreats people who have cardiopulmonary disease$59,710Associate or Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Therapist Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,O ccupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETangeschlossen(visited August 10, 2018).