The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) plays a crucial role in the medical care team, working closely with Registered Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), or Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) to carry out various patient-care tasks in clinical settings. While the Registered Nurse (RN) has a broader range of responsibilities, including comprehensive patient assessments and duties, the LPN/LVN specializes in focused assessments to determine patients’ health status. How do these assessments compare, and when is each appropriate?

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing suggests that LPN/LVNs work within a directed scope of practice under the supervision of an RN, Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN), licensed physician, or another authorized care provider. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) practice adheres to nursing standards established by the state’s Board of Nursing (BON). Despite some variations between states, LPN/LVNs generally provide professional services like collecting and reporting patient data, conducting focused health assessments, performing direct patient care, offering health information to patients and families, contributing to care plans, delegating interventions, and collaborating with the healthcare team.

LPN in the Inpatient vs. Outpatient Setting

In comparison, the Registered Nurse can perform all LPN/LVN services with additional responsibilities such as comprehensive assessments, nursing diagnoses, goal-setting, prescribing interventions, evaluating responses, designing patient-specific education programs, and ensuring the safe care of all staff.

Some states avoid using the term “assessment” in connection with LPN/LVN practice, instead describing specific duties within their scope. Regardless of the terminology, a focused assessment involves evaluating an individual’s current status and situation, contributing to a comprehensive assessment by the RN. For instance, an LPN/LVN can assess vital signs and report any abnormalities to the RN for a more in-depth evaluation. While many organizations have LPN/LVNs administer treatments and medications, RNs handle assessments for all patients.

In the comprehensive nursing assessment, the RN conducts extensive data collection for individuals, families, groups, and communities. The RN anticipates changes in conditions, emergent health status alterations, and variations from previous conditions. This assessment also involves evaluating the impact of nursing care, implementing diagnoses and interventions, and considering the need for changes to those interventions. In settings with complex patients requiring frequent interventions, organizations may choose to staff only RNs or assign stable patients to Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)s. Outpatient clinics, such as urologist offices, might employ LPN/LVNs to provide patients with information created by RNs or other clinicians.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses have various roles available within the healthcare system. A care team that includes skilled LPN/LVNs enhances the depth and breadth of care for any organization. Effectively utilizing these nurses is crucial in addressing the RN labor shortage and providing safe and competent care within the LPN/LVN scope of practice.