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What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nurse who has completed a practical nursing program, which usually offers around one year of nursing training. Licensed practical nurses can perform a variety of tasks related to patient care, but they must work under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Employment prospects in this nursing field are generally quite good, and licensed practical nurses work in a range of environments to provide valuable nursing services and support.

Registered nurses have more training than licensed practical nurses, allowing them to perform more procedures and to work more independently. Nurse practitioners have even more training, and in some cases they have completed almost as much training as doctors. All of these different nursing careers are valuable and useful, with the key differences being the level of training involved and the level of medicine which can be practiced after certification.

LPNs work in different medical settings, including hospitals.
LPNs work in different medical settings, including hospitals.

Under supervision, a licensed practical nurse can do things like start IVs, administer medications, take samples, perform basic lab analysis, dress wounds, take vital signs, and perform basic diagnostic tasks. They also chart patient progress, provide updates on patient status to supervising nurses and doctors, and assist patients with questions and concerns. Licensed practical nurses also monitor patients under their care, and they may supervise orderlies, nursing assistants, and other members of the nursing staff, depending on where they work. With experience, a licensed practical nurse may become very skilled at a variety of nursing tasks.

A licensed practical nurse must work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
A licensed practical nurse must work under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Some licensed practical nurses work in hospital settings, providing patient care, assistance with intake, and similar services. Others may work in residential treatment facilities, nursing homes, and similar establishments. It is also possible to work as an in-home care provider with a licensed practical nurse certification. Rates of compensation vary, depending on work experience and additional certifications, and they may include benefits such as health care, paid vacations, or payments into retirement funds.

A career as a licensed practical nurse requires less education and training than a registered nurse.
A career as a licensed practical nurse requires less education and training than a registered nurse.

Depending on where in the world one is, a licensed practical nurse may also be called an enrolled nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or registered practical nurse. Education and certification requirements vary around the world, but as a general rule, a licensed practical nurse must obtain a high school diploma and follow up with college training. Vocational colleges and community colleges often offer certification to people interested in this branch of the nursing field, and some medical schools may also provide nursing certifications.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • LPNs work in different medical settings, including hospitals.
      By: auremar
      LPNs work in different medical settings, including hospitals.
    • A licensed practical nurse must work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
      By: pablocalvog
      A licensed practical nurse must work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
    • A career as a licensed practical nurse requires less education and training than a registered nurse.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      A career as a licensed practical nurse requires less education and training than a registered nurse.
    • Licensed practical nurses can perform a variety of tasks related to patient care.
      By: michaeljung
      Licensed practical nurses can perform a variety of tasks related to patient care.