Nature of the Work

Licensed practical nurses (LPN's) roles are similar to that of the registered nurse i that they give care to the sick, injured, convalescing, and disabled clients under the direct instruction and/or supervision of the physician and registered nurses.

Basic bedside care for the LPN has evolved into a more technical realm over the last several years. Besides the giving of medicines (oral, IM, and IV), they are responsible for many tasks inclusive of client care. They must be proficient in assessment and clinical skills. Some of those skills involve monitoring the client for changes in vital signs and the significance of those changes, monitoring laboratory values and their significance, helping the client with necessary activities of daily living, and education for the client and families of clients o specific matters from medication administration and adverse effects to the importance of adherence to the physician's advice for optimal outcomes.

Continual assessment of the client, safety issues regarding the client, cultural considerations, and sound clinical judgment are skills that today's LPN must possess. Knowledge of the use of new technology and treatment within evidence-based practice is essential. Continuing education credits must be done within each cycle of license renewal, kept current, and reported to the Board of Nursing.

LPNs must be aware of costs to their clients and facilities and must also be advocates for the clients for which they care. LPNs serve a larger and more crucial role than ever before in client care in order to try to help restore the client to their optimal function.