What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is responsible for assisting physicians with patient office visits, including seating patients in rooms, interviewing patients, recording vital signs such as pulse rate, blood pressure, height, and weight. Additionally, a licensed practical nurse administers and documents medication under a physician's order. Licensed practical nurses usually work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and physician offices. LPN's interested in advancing within the nursing profession can move on to a Registered Nurse (RN).
Licensed practical nurses generally have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing along with a valid license practical nursing certification. A successful licensed practical nurse is a compassionate team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Observe, record, and report changes in patients' condition
- Effectively carry out medical and surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures
- Sterilize packages and autoclaves instruments, using proper sterilization protocols
- Effectively label and process patient specimens as needed, including tracking specimens in appropriate logs
- Organize exam rooms, including general cleaning, upkeep, and re-stocking of supplies
- Communicate with patients' family or friends to provide advice, comfort and release instructions
- Administer injections, prescribed medications and clean and dress wounds and assist with other basic medical care tasks
- Demonstrates appropriate hand washing technique to ensure proper infection control and follows universal precautions
- 2+ years' nursing experience
- Current LPN license in the state
- Valid CPR certification
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care according to individual needs
- Excellent staff training and customer service skills
- Outstanding knowledge of nursing and medical terminology
- Compassionate and friendly demeanor
- Understanding of confidentiality obligations and nursing best practices
- Exceptional physical condition and stamina
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$90,852
/ yrLicensed Practical Nurse Career Path
Learn how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Licensed Practical Nurse Insights
Cotton On“No overtime payment but have to stay until the store tidy and clean probably 12 am end .”
Baptist Village Retirement Communities“Great place to work I love taking care of the residents and enjoy working with the staff”
Integrity Home Care + Hospice“life balance is easily obtainable and they compensate you well for going above and beyond expectations.”
RGIS“Very flexible working arrangements and you get to choose what jobs you want to do.”
Mack Technologies“It feels safe at work and a thank you vacation week is a nice gesture.”
“Management was an issue and they didn't seem to know what they're doing.”
Northeast Health District“No pay increases unless it is cost of living increase which you get every now and then.”
Stamford Hospital“I don’t have any cons this is a great place to work with a lot of opportunity for growth”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of licensed practical nurses
The typical day of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) centers around providing patient care in a hospital setting or a doctor's office. Duties include getting vitals, recording information on charts, and administering medicine under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse.
LPNs work in a variety of settings, which can affect working hours and overall employment environment. An advantage of becoming an LPN revolves around the many places one can work, including doctors' offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
LPNs spend a lot of time around sick and injured people, which can create a stressful environment. Working as an LPN also means spending lots of time on your feet. LPNs may need to work long hours, including during holidays.