LPN Job Description

What is a LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, private homes, and physician's offices. Their responsibility is to provide basic care to patients, including taking vitals, ensuring the comfort of patients, and administering medications. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.

LPNs need to have graduated from an accredited nursing program that usually takes a year to complete and they must have a valid license in the state they want to work in. Typically, LPNs have a sincere desire to care for others. They have strong interpersonal skills, and are able to demonstrate resilience and stamina. The job often requires LPNs to stand or walk for long periods of time.

LPN Job Description Template

Job Overview

Sample Company is one of the leaders in our field. We have a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor from our employees. We are hiring an LPN to join our growing team. If you're excited to be part of a winning team, Sample Company is an excellent place to grow your career. This is the opportunity you've been looking for.

Responsibilities for LPN

  • Take and record vital signs, such as blood pressure
  • Administer medications as ordered and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments
  • Dress wounds, give alcohol rubs, apply compresses, ice bags, and hot water bottles, bathe and dress patients, and collect blood and urine samples
  • Monitor patients and chart medical records accurately
  • Report the condition of a patient back to RNs and doctors
  • Communicate openly and effectively with patients and families, while demonstrating compassion and friendly behavior
  • Supervise nursing assistants
  • Ensure that supplies, medications, and equipment are restocked and maintained so that they are ready to use
  • Admit, discharge, and transfer patients

Qualifications for LPN

  • Must be a graduate of an accredited LPN nursing program
  • Must have a valid LPN license in the state you are working in
  • Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with patients and family in a respectful, warm way
  • Ability to demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills
  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time, as well as lift patients and medical equipment
  • Ability to demonstrate resilience in emotionally difficult situations
  • Comfortable with a schedule with beyond normal working hours
  • Must have proficient computer skills

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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