LPNs/LVNs are nursing professionals who perform various duties under the supervision of RNs or physicians. They undergo vocational training and can specialize in certain areas. They provide patient care, perform routine nursing tasks, and cannot perform complex tasks. LPNs/LVNs have good employment prospects and can work in various settings.
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional who is able to perform a wide variety of duties under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician. LPNs are also known as Licensed Vocation Nurses (LVN) in some regions. These members of the healthcare community can provide a wide range of valuable services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential care facilities, and private homes.
To become an LPN, a nurse must undergo a one- or two-year vocational training program. He or she may also choose to pursue certification in specializations such as oncology or midwifery to provide nursing care in particular subsets of the medical field. Vocational colleges and some nursing schools offer programs for this type of nursing, along with hands-on experiences for students. Most applicants seek to gain a good foundation in biology in high school, and some may even be trained in a foreign language so they can work in areas with a mixed population.
Once he or she is certified, an LPN can provide patient care at a range of levels. He or she may perform routine nursing tasks such as helping patients bathe, go to the bathroom, and go to physical therapy, as well as monitor patients, record changes in their condition, and collect samples for testing. LPNs may also start intravenous drips, perform minor procedures, change dressings, and perform similar tasks under the supervision of a physician or RN.
LPNs cannot perform complex tasks such as induction of anesthesia and surgery, but can be involved in many aspects of a patient’s care. In a busy hospital, LPNs often fluctuate, resuming work as needed across departments to ensure patients receive the level of care they need. They may also provide basic primary care to patients in a medical clinic and help run community information courses or formulate a nursing plan for a specific patient.
Employment prospects for an LPN, especially one with specialized training, tend to be quite good. Many nations experience chronic nursing shortages and welcome trained medical professionals who can assist in the care of patients. Depending on an LPN’s preferences, he or she might seek employment as a private nurse caring for patients in their own homes, or work with patients in a residential facility or hospital, providing primary care and nursing interventions to patients in need. Some LPNs also decide to take additional training so they can become a registered nurse or physician.
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