LPN Careers
Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can be a highly fulfilling career. The primary reason people choose nursing is to assist others, which is a reward in itself.
There are diverse paths for LPNs to explore. While some may have a specific career area in mind, it’s essential to be open-minded. Nursing offers various fields, and you might find unexpected opportunities that pleasantly surprise you.
The field of practical nursing is rapidly expanding, especially with the retirement of baby boomers leading to increased job positions. LPNs have ample chances for career growth in both employment and education.
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It’s perfectly fine if you’re unsure about your post-graduation work preferences. The following descriptions aim to provide insights into what you can expect in specific practical nursing fields.
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Emergency Room Nurse LPN Careers
If you thrive under pressure and enjoy a fast-paced environment, a career as an LPN in the Emergency Room (ER) might be appealing. Quick thinking, swift action in emergencies, and the ability to follow orders are crucial in this field.
Working in an ER guarantees diverse experiences each day. The job may require on-call duty, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and nights since ERs operate 24/7. Handling patients with life-threatening injuries makes this position challenging for those with a sensitive stomach.
Generally, there are no extra requirements for an LPN in the ER, but IV certification may be necessary in some states. Phlebotomy skills are valuable, and typical duties include medication administration, documentation, vital signs, wound dressing, catheter monitoring, and more.
Labor and Delivery Nurse LPN Careers
Labor and delivery nursing attracts nursing students and experienced professionals alike. Unlike caring for the sick or injured, this role involves supporting individuals during a joyful, happy time. LPNs in labor and delivery work in hospitals, providing care before, during, and after delivery.
Duties include taking vital signs, administering medications, assisting during delivery, educating families on infant care, and more. Effective communication, a desire to work with families, and teamwork are essential qualities for success.
LPN programs usually include a course in labor and delivery. To work in this role, you must be a licensed practical nurse, and additional training is typically acquired on the job.
Oncology Nurse LPN Careers
Oncology nurses work with cancer patients, providing care, and in some cases, focusing on cancer prevention education. LPNs can be found in oncologist offices, performing clinical duties like vital signs, injections, and blood draws.
Working in a hospital’s oncology floor is another option, although specialized advancements are often limited for LPNs. Those interested in oncology may consider pursuing an RN degree for broader opportunities.
Specialization within oncology, such as pediatric or breast cancer, or working in hospice, focusing on patient comfort and pain management, are additional options for LPNs in this field.
Pediatric Nurse LPN Careers
Being a nurse opens up numerous fields, and many nursing students, including myself, were drawn to the idea of becoming pediatric nurses. Even when informed that LPNs might have limited positions in this area, many were unwavering in their desire to work with children.
The availability of pediatric nursing positions often depends on the proximity to hospitals or facilities dedicated to children. Pediatric nurses possess admirable qualities like emotional strength, empathy, patience, and love. If you’re a pediatric nurse or considering this path, your dedication is truly commendable.
Apart from personal qualities, aspiring pediatric nurses usually don’t need additional training. However, some pediatric hospitals may require prior experience. Working in a hospital for children involves unique duties such as wound care, catheter monitoring, administering enemas, assisting with daily activities, and more. Flexibility is crucial as you may be assigned to different hospital floors or areas.
Starting your pediatric career at a pediatric doctor’s office or clinic is a great option. Here, you’ll handle tasks like taking vital signs, administering medications or vaccinations, educating patients and families, and conducting tests. Many offices provide on-the-job training, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Home care nursing is another avenue for LPNs interested in pediatrics. Experience in pediatric or home care nursing is often preferred by home health agencies.
Rehabilitative and Gerontology Nurse LPN Careers
Entering rehabilitative nursing as an LPN is relatively straightforward, with ample job opportunities in this field. Similarly, LPNs interested in gerontology can find rewarding careers working with the elderly.
Rehabilitative nurses care for individuals with long-term disabilities or illnesses, assisting them in regaining and maintaining function. Job duties may involve coordinating activities, following up on therapy sessions, taking vital signs, administering medication, recording intake and output, charting, wound care, and effective communication with caregivers.
Communication is crucial in rehabilitation nursing, not only with caregivers but also with patients and their families, following HIPPA guidelines. Generally, there’s no special training required for LPNs interested in rehabilitation nursing, and employment options include hospitals, clinics, and home care.
Gerontology nursing, focusing on the elderly population, offers positions in nursing homes, doctor’s offices, clinics, or home health care agencies. This field often requires more hands-on nursing compared to rehabilitative care. While rehabilitation aims to promote patients’ self-sufficiency, gerontology nursing caters to a range of patients, from those capable of self-care to those requiring extensive nursing assistance.
Exploring BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) careers becomes an option for LPNs looking to further their education after gaining experience in the field.
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