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== Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ==
{{Short description|Healthcare professional providing basic nursing care}}
{{Infobox occupation
| name = Licensed Practical Nurse
| image =
| caption =
| official_names = Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
| type = Healthcare profession
| activity_sector = Nursing
| formation = Diploma or certificate in practical nursing
| employment_field = Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes
| related_occupation = [[Registered Nurse]], [[Nurse Practitioner]]
}}


A '''Licensed Practical Nurse''' ('''LPN'''), also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in some states, is a healthcare professional who has completed specialized training and obtained a license to provide routine care for the sick. LPNs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.
A '''Licensed Practical Nurse''' ('''LPN'''), also known as a '''Licensed Vocational Nurse''' ('''LVN''') in some states, is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. LPNs are an integral part of the healthcare team, working in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private homes.


[[File:L.P.N. Ruby Nissley La Jara CO (25943848521).jpg|thumb|A Licensed Practical Nurse providing patient care]]
==Education and Licensing==
To become an LPN, individuals must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about one year and is offered at community colleges, technical schools, and sometimes hospitals. The curriculum includes both classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and basic nursing skills.


== Background ==
After completing the educational program, graduates must pass the [[National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses]] (NCLEX-PN) to obtain licensure. Each state in the United States has its own licensing board that regulates the practice of LPNs.
LPNs are an integral part of the nursing team, providing basic medical and nursing care in various healthcare settings. Their training equips them with the skills necessary to perform a wide range of tasks related to patient care.


=== Education and Licensing ===
==Roles and Responsibilities==
* LPN programs typically take one year to complete and are offered at technical schools, community colleges, and sometimes high schools.
LPNs perform a variety of tasks to support patient care, including:
* Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to obtain their license.
* Monitoring patients' health by checking vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature.
* Administering basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters.
* Providing for the comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress.
* Reporting the status of patients to registered nurses and doctors.
* Keeping records on patients' health.
 
LPNs may also be responsible for administering medications, depending on the regulations of the state in which they practice.
 
==Work Environment==
LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
* [[Hospitals]]
* [[Nursing homes]]
* [[Clinics]]
* [[Home healthcare]]
 
The work can be physically demanding, requiring LPNs to spend much of their time on their feet and to assist patients with mobility.


=== Scope of Practice ===
==Job Outlook==
The scope of practice for LPNs varies by state but generally includes:
The demand for LPNs is expected to grow due to the aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services. According to the [[Bureau of Labor Statistics]], employment of LPNs is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
* Monitoring patient health and vital signs.
* Administering basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters.
* Providing for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress.
* Reporting patients' status and concerns to RNs and doctors.


== Roles and Responsibilities ==
==Differences Between LPNs and RNs==
LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and private homes. Their responsibilities may include:
While both LPNs and [[Registered Nurses]] (RNs) provide essential nursing care, there are key differences in their education, scope of practice, and responsibilities. RNs typically have more advanced education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, and have a broader scope of practice, which includes developing nursing care plans and performing diagnostic tests.
* Collecting patient health information.
* Assisting in patient examinations and procedures.
* Administering medications and injections.
* Supervising nursing assistants and aides.


== Career Outlook ==
==Also see==
The demand for LPNs remains strong, with employment opportunities expected to grow. LPNs often pursue further education to become registered nurses, expanding their career opportunities and scope of practice.
* [[Registered Nurse]]
* [[Nurse Practitioner]]
* [[Certified Nursing Assistant]]
* [[Nursing]]


== External Links ==
{{Nursing}}
* [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses]
{{Healthcare occupations}}
* [https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm National Council of State Boards of Nursing: NCLEX]


[[Category:Nursing]]
[[Category:Nursing occupations]]
[[Category:Healthcare occupations]]
[[Category:Healthcare occupations]]
[[Category:Medical licensure]]
[[Category:Licensed practical nurses]]
 
{{Stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:58, 11 December 2024

Healthcare professional providing basic nursing care


Licensed Practical Nurse



Occupation
NamesLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Pronunciation
Occupation type
Healthcare profession
Activity sectors
Nursing
Specialty
Competencies
Education required
Diploma or certificate in practical nursing



A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in some states, is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. LPNs are an integral part of the healthcare team, working in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private homes.

Education and Licensing[edit]

To become an LPN, individuals must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about one year and is offered at community colleges, technical schools, and sometimes hospitals. The curriculum includes both classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and basic nursing skills.

After completing the educational program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to obtain licensure. Each state in the United States has its own licensing board that regulates the practice of LPNs.

Roles and Responsibilities[edit]

LPNs perform a variety of tasks to support patient care, including:

  • Monitoring patients' health by checking vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature.
  • Administering basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters.
  • Providing for the comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress.
  • Reporting the status of patients to registered nurses and doctors.
  • Keeping records on patients' health.

LPNs may also be responsible for administering medications, depending on the regulations of the state in which they practice.

Work Environment[edit]

LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

The work can be physically demanding, requiring LPNs to spend much of their time on their feet and to assist patients with mobility.

Job Outlook[edit]

The demand for LPNs is expected to grow due to the aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of LPNs is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Differences Between LPNs and RNs[edit]

While both LPNs and Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential nursing care, there are key differences in their education, scope of practice, and responsibilities. RNs typically have more advanced education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, and have a broader scope of practice, which includes developing nursing care plans and performing diagnostic tests.

Also see[edit]


Nursing
Levels of
practice
Education
and
licensure
Specialties and
areas of
practice
Nursing process
Classification
systems




Healthcare occupations
Primary care
Nursing
Allied health professions
Dentistry
Pharmacy
This healthcare occupations related article is a stub.
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