Licensed Practical Nurse

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?

Under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors, LPNs attend to the comfort and well-being of the sick, injured, and disabled in the nation’s hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent centers and home health agencies. Specific tasks include:

• Taking and recording temperature, blood pressure, pulse, weight and height;
• Dressing wounds;
• Feeding patients;
• Cleaning and moving patients;
• Administering prescribed medication when authorized;
• Observing patients and reporting changes in their condition;
• Teaching patients good health habits;
• Sterilizing equipment;
• Giving enemas and catheterizations;
• Keeping patient charts;
• Knowledge of basic computer applications.

How Do I Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?

LPNs must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass a national written exam to obtain their license. Training programs usually take a year and require a high school diploma for admission.