LPN Job Description
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are sought after in various industries across the global workforce. The demand for LPNs is particularly high in healthcare settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes. Their responsibilities typically involve providing routine care, monitoring patients’ health, assisting physicians and registered nurses, and communicating with both patients and their families.
Nevertheless, numerous Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) extend their services beyond the conventional healthcare environments. Some are employed by families to offer private care for individuals who are unwell or injured. Others work for businesses, providing fundamental care and health consultations to employees and customers.
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LPNs also have diverse employment opportunities that extend beyond delivering direct healthcare services. State and federal government agencies often hire LPNs as consultants to address health-related issues, programs, and initiatives in cities and communities. Some LPNs actively engage with their communities, providing health education and essential awareness to underserved populations unfamiliar with personal healthcare concepts. The avenues for success in an LPN career are numerous, and it is crucial to examine the potential salary for this fulfilling profession.
Ultimately, LPNs can leverage their healthcare education and licensure to pivot or complement their careers in various medical industry fields. Fields such as medical coding, medical billing, medical call centers, customer service, insurance sales, and consulting, as well as medical transcription, offer opportunities for LPNs to transfer their skills and achieve success swiftly.
LPN Job Responsibilities
The crucial roles filled by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in modern healthcare practices encompass providing routine care, monitoring patients’ health, assisting physicians and registered nurses, and conveying instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventive lifestyle changes. It is valuable to explore LPN specialty certifications for a deeper understanding.
LPNs in Nursing Homes
LPNs working in nursing homes typically undertake responsibilities including:
1. Admitting new residents
2. Assisting physicians during rounds of residents’ rooms
3. Assigning and delegating duties to non-licensed nursing staff
4. Monitoring resident care and overseeing other nursing staff
5. Conducting ongoing assessments of residents’ physical and mental health
6. Explaining procedures and treatment protocols to residents
Related Readings:
1. A Guide on How to Pursue a Career as an LPN
2. Exploring Opportunities Beyond Nursing Homes for LPNs
3. Steps to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
4. Navigating Changes in LPN Job Specialties
Hospital and Private Clinic LPNs
LPNs employed in hospitals and private clinics generally have specific tasks they must undertake, including:
1. Planning and overseeing patient care tailored to individual needs.
2. Conducting interviews with patients to record their medical history.
3. Gathering vital signs from patients and guiding them to their respective rooms.
4. Administering injections of medications.
5. Ensuring prompt and accurate updates to patient charts.
6. Observing and documenting patients’ conditions and their responses to medications and treatments.
Home Health LPNs
On the other hand, LPNs working in private residences and homes have distinct responsibilities that set them apart. Their tasks include:
1. Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and eating.
2. Monitoring patients’ overall health during each visit.
3. Changing bandages, wound dressings, and catheters.
4. Developing exercise programs for patients.
5. Confirming patients are adhering to the correct dosages of medications.
6. Remaining on-call for patients experiencing healthcare emergencies.
For a deeper understanding of an LPN’s daily routine, you can explore our detailed article on what LPNs typically do.
Career Prospects for LPNs
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for LPNs is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, significantly faster than the average growth rate for other occupations in the country.
In 2014, there were 719,900 LPNs working in the United States, and the BLS anticipates this number to rise to 819,660 by 2024, indicating an increase of 100,660 jobs.
A key driver for this growth is the aging population, particularly the Baby Boomer generation. As millions of individuals in this age group reach retirement age, their demand for routine healthcare is projected to surge, leading to an increased need for LPNs and other healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the rising prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic-related issues underscores the demand for LPNs across various sectors of the country’s workforce. LPNs will not only be in demand in traditional settings like doctor’s offices and hospitals but will also find new opportunities for private home-based care, healthcare consultancy, and community health education.
The BLS also predicts that newly graduated LPNs will encounter more job openings nationwide as older LPNs retire from the workforce in the coming decade. If you need assistance with your LPN resume, our experts provide insights into what you should include and the appropriate formatting to enhance your chances of securing your future LPN/LVN job.
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