It’s Seven Jobs In One

There are many important medical team members such as doctors and registered nurses. However, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is just as important, as they give, under the guidance of both registered nurses and doctors, bedside care to people who are sick or injured. This bedside care tends to involve several roles/responsibilities.

Seven Key Responsibilities Of An LPN

These roles help ensure that patients receive continuous care. While each will vary from place to place, they’re generally the same everywhere. LPNs are accountable for the following things:

1. They must get patient vital signs that include the blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, and temperature. Any change from a patient’s normal values or condition must be relayed instantly to the registered nurse for additional review.

2. LPNs must monitor patients carefully; checking wounds for seepage, bedsores, medication side effects, intake/output of fluids, and catheters.

3. They will need to perform certain basic skills and complete medical procedures like collect lab specimens, enema administration, and routine lab work testing.

4. Administer state-approved prescription medications; LPNs are not allowed to do IV push or chemotherapeutic drugs.

5. Help patients with daily activities that include bathing.

6. Talk with and educate both patients and family members.

7. Supervise nursing assistants.

Where To Find LPN Training

If a person wants to become an LPN, he/she must attend LPN courses and do supervised clinic rotations. There are many kinds of institutions that have accredited LPN programs. Some of the institutions that offer programs include:

1. Community colleges
2. Universities
3. Technical schools
4. Vocations schools
5. Hospitals

Students who want to be excellent LPNs must have a strong basic understanding of nursing and have nursing skills.

Eight Must Have Qualities

LPNs must have a lot of qualities when it comes to doing their job. They must be patient and dedicated to it. Keep in mind that they’ll be dealing with sick patients all day long, every day. An LPN career is not easy and being good at that job is very demanding. More than what people tend to think. Every potential LPN needs to be physically and emotionally strong to deal with the challenges that come with the job. Not only do they need the education and training, they should also have these qualities:

1. Be able to handle good and bad news emotionally and mentally while physically being able to finish their tasks.

2. The LPN must always be level-headed so that sound judgments are maintained. How a medical team reacts to emergencies can either help or hinder the patient.

3. LPNs must be able to handle the stresses of their job and work well under that pressure.

4. LPNs have to be fair and respectful of others’ beliefs as they work with many people of different cultures, religions, and races.

5. They must be flexible and able to handle changes within a second’s notice.

6. LPNs are required to be compassionate, dedicated, and sensitive to patient needs.

7. Sick people tend to be irritable and crabby, which is why LPNs need to be understanding and tolerant, doing what they can to make the patient feel comfortable.

8. LPNs should have excellent listening, writing, and verbal skills so that patient information is given accurately and patients feel at ease.

Author Bio: If you would like to learn about taking LPN classes online or just want to find a career that you love in the medical field then visit www.MedicalCareerBook.com.

Category: Education
Keywords: lpn,licensed practical nursing