Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are the key players in healthcare. They are responsible for everything from administering medications to helping patients bathe and dress. But what exactly does it mean to be an LPN? Here’s everything you want to know about this crucial part of the healthcare team: LPNs in Golden Valley MN
What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). They are licensed to:
- Provide bedside care (such as administering medications, health assessments, changing dressings, and monitoring patient vital signs)
- Assist with routine laboratory tests and immunizations
- Prepare patients for x-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic procedures conducted by physicians or other healthcare providers
What Do Licensed Practical Nurses Do?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide health care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and clinics. LPNs treat patients who are experiencing pain, illness, or injury by providing basic medical treatments such as administering medications and changing bandages. LPNs also monitor patients’ conditions through charting patient information and vital signs on charts or computers.
Where Do Licensed Practical Nurses Work?
LPNs are employed in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Here are some examples:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare facilities
- Private homes (home health services) or school settings (classrooms, schools for medical training) as part of home health services or home care services
- Outpatient clinics that provide primary care and basic chronic disease management
- Nursing schools to assist nurse faculty with teaching duties
What are the Educational Requirements for a Licensed Practical Nurse?
LPNs must complete an accredited LPN program. These programs are offered at colleges and universities and last about one year. They can be taken online or on campus, and there are a variety of options available for students who want to study in a traditional classroom setting with other students or take courses from home via an online learning platform.
A high school diploma is required for admission into nursing programs, but some employers will accept a GED if you don’t have your high school diploma yet.
LPNs are Important Members of the Healthcare Team
LPNs are an important part of the overall care process as a member of the healthcare team. They work in various settings, such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. As part of their duties, they may help patients recover from surgery or illness; they might also assist with medication management and other medical procedures.
An LPN can help you recover after surgery or an injury, by assisting with daily tasks and ensuring that your recovery goes smoothly. If you’re recovering from surgery or another procedure, an LPN can ensure that you are receiving proper nutrition while resting comfortably at home. An LPN is trained to assess people who have been hospitalized for illnesses or injuries and make sure that they receive adequate care once they return home again
We hope now you better understand what an LPN does and why this role is so important. The role of the Licensed Practical Nurse is one that many people don’t know about, but it’s an important part of our healthcare system. Without LPNs, hospitals and other facilities would not be able to provide care for their patients as well as they do now. If you have any questions or are seeking more information about Licensed Practical Nurses or at-home health care, reach out to your local care provider. We are Pinnacle Home Care in Golden Valley, Minnesota, specializing in skilled nursing, home health aide, homemaking, and companion care. We’d be happy to hear from you so contact us today.
