Becoming a LPN or LVN entails great compassion of helping people suffering from illness and injury. Most people are still unfamiliar on the roles and responsibilities of a LPN or LVN. Below are the lists of LPN/LVN’s job description for you to read on.
What is a LPN/LVN?
The term LPN stands for a licensed practical nurse while the term LVN stands for a licensed vocational nurse. LPNs and LVNs have similar job title. Their name title differs from state to state. Both LVNs and LPNs are health care professionals who are responsible in various essential health tasks.
Duties of LPN/LVN
- The LPNs or LVNs are considered as the first hand providers as they are always present at bedside with patients. Their responsibilities include providing bedside care, vital signs taking such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate.
- LPN/LVN also prepares medications and administers injections, perform cleansing enemas, treat bedsores, apply dressings, monitor catheters and provide alcohol rubs and back massages.
- LPNs routinely monitor patients and report any adverse reactions or significant changes with medications and medical treatments.
- They are tasked to get samples for diagnostic testing, perform laboratory tests, daily feeding of patients and document or record consumed food as well as intake of fluid and its output.
- In order to keep their patients comfortable at bed, a LPN assists with activities in daily living such as bathing, proper dressing including personal hygiene.
Condition of Work of LPN/LVN
LPNs and LVNs can find employment in a small or large hospital facility, nursing homes, mental hospitals, clinics and even at health home. Their work entails great patience, compassion and inner drive of helping other people in need.
Educational Requirements of LPN/LVN
- In order to become a LPN/LVN, you must accomplish 9 to 18 months of training in post-secondary course. Training program may be achieved at any nursing school, vocational institutions or community colleges.
- Aspiring candidates need to cover course such as nutrition, anatomy, psychology and basic nursing skills. After obtaining LPN training you must also complete hands on training or clinical training at any medical facility or hospital. During clinical training, candidates can learn on how to properly take care patients suffering from diseases or injury. After obtaining all requirements, LPN/LV certificate will then be handed to you.
Occupation and Progress of LPN/LVN
The LVN/LPN training is considered an initial pathway towards a more rewarding nursing career. After LPN training, you can proceed to become a registered nurse by a bridging nursing program. RNs have more responsibility than LPNs but this career will surely bring you towards job security as the wage is higher compared to LPNs/LVNs.