What is LPN in Nursing: Meaning, Education, Responsibilities

Taking into consideration LPN meaning nursing, it is a licensed practical nurse responsible for performing basic medical tasks, including checking vital signs and caring for patients. In addition, they are in charge of maintaining constant communication between the patient, family, and caregivers. Their work is supervised by registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.

What Are the Primary Features and Responsibilities?

You need to complete an accredited practical nursing program. This usually takes 12 to 18 months. After that, you should pass the NCLEX-PN exam and gain a license.

Among the LPN nursing duties are:

• Monitoring patients’ vital signs
• Administering medications
• Wound care
• ADLs (activities of daily living)
• Filing patient information.

Besides seeking what is nursing LPN, you must consider the qualities that they must have.

• Good attitude towards patients
• Skills of communication in nursing team & outside
• Strong organizational skills
• Empathy
• Tolerance to blood and biological fluids
• The ability to work within the healthcare team

Where can a licensed practical nurse work? In regular hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home care agencies. With enough experience and some additional training, licensed practical nurses can choose absolutely any specialty after passing LPN nursing programs, whether it be geriatrics, pediatrics, or surgery.

How Does the Role of an LPN Nursing Differ From That of an RN?

LPN career in nursing involves a more focused scope of practice compared to RNs. The duties of a licensed practical nurse typically include direct patient care, while an RN has additional responsibilities (e.g., coordinating care, administering medications, and performing comprehensive assessments). They work under the supervision of RNs and physicians.

Registered nurses are considered to be higher than licensed practical nurses. Thus, if you want to advance your career and get additional education, you’re able to enroll in bridge programs to transition from LPN to RN or complete a traditional education program.

We hope we thoroughly answered your question, “What is LPN in nursing?”. But remember that requirements and regulations may vary from state to state, so you should contact your state’s board of nursing for specific information.