What Duties Does an LPN Perform?

A Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN is a nurse who has completed a basic nursing degree and works under the direct supervision of a medical doctor or a registered nurse. They are also called Licensed Vocational Nurses, and although the LPN job description may differ slightly depending on where they work, their basic task is to see to the comfort of the patient.

Licensed Practical Nurses are employed in a variety of institutions, such as residential care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and also in private abodes, which is one of the reasons why the LPN job description can vary a bit. They take a lot of the strain off of registered nurses, of which there is a shortage, freeing the RN up to attend to the administrative side of her duties. There is a huge demand for good Licensed Practical Nurses, especially because people are living longer due to the advances that are made in the medical fraternity every day.

The general LPN job description includes some of the more mundane tasks such as making patients more comfortable in their beds by straightening the bedding and fluffing the pillows; helping patients to perform their ablutions and get dressed, and helping them to get about such as to the toilet and to appointments they may have in other parts of the hospital. An LPN also collects samples for lab tests, records solid and fluid intake and output, maintains the health charts, assists with the patient's physical therapy and records vital signs such as respiration, pulse, temperature, weight and height, and blood pressure.

LPNs are generalists and as such are required to be able to take up the slack in various areas of healthcare. Their general duties are the same, but the LPN job description can change a bit depending on whether they work in a home for the aged, a doctor's office, a private nursing home, a private residence or a hospital or clinic. No matter where they work though, the characteristics that are required of an LPN are the same, and include a caring personality, compassion, patience, professionalism, good team work and excellent communication skills.

<p>An LPN working in a nursing facility could also be involved in developing care-plans for patients, supervising nurse-aides, and monitoring and reporting adverse reactions to medication. Those in doctor's clinics would also be involved in taking down a patient's medical history and other particulars, complete insurance forms, and various other administrative tasks. LPNs who work in homes for the aged could find themselves assisting the elderly with physical exercises, writing letters for them or reading to them, and accompanying them on outings, or to do shopping. Those working in private homes will often find that their duties include cooking, shopping, doing laundry and various other personal tasks; they also very often form a strong bond with their charge as they spend a lot of one-on-one time together.

So, as you can see, the LPN job description is really basic caring for a patient, but can include many other little personal tasks and duties dependent on where one is employed. Many LPNs do not work full-time but register with home-care agencies through which they can do part-time weekend or short-term caring. Many LPNs prefer to work in private homes rather than in hospitals, doctor's offices or clinics.