What Are the Main Duties of an LPN?

A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, is a valued member of the health care team providing bedside care. The LPN may be employed in a doctor's office, nursing home, rehabilitation center or hospital. The duties an LPN is licensed to perform vary from state to state. Many institutions have phased out employing the LPN in favor of the registered nurse, or RN. LPNs are sometimes referred to as a licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs.

Patient Care

• License practical nurses are involved in direct patient care. The scope of their practice is determined by the specific state they are licensed in, and by the facility where they work. Nurses are responsible for most aspects of patient care under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. An LPN may assist patients with the activities of daily living, including feeding, bathing, dressing, walking, and comfort. They may work with the patient on cognitive issues or provide emotional support when needed. Licensed Practical Nurses are trained in patient assessment and must be able to identify and report any change in their patient's condition. They are also trained in emergency response.

Medication Administration

• Medication administration is a standard part of nursing care. Certain facilities require that all or certain medications be administered by a registered nurse. In some institutions, LPNs are allowed to administer oral medications but not injections or intravenous medications or fluids, while other institutions allow the LPN to administer all forms of medication and fluids. These rules vary from state to state.

Patient Monitoring

• The LPN is trained to monitor all aspects of the patient's condition. Blood pressure, pulse and respiration are part of the basic assessment. Catheters, intravenous sites, tubes and dressings are all inspected by the nurse and recorded in the patient record. The nurse must be aware of signs and symptoms that indicate a change in the patient's condition and how to properly assess and report these changes. To prevent the spread of germs, the nurse is expected to understand and maintain clean or sterile technique during all patient care.

Other Duties

• Certain states allow the LPN to take special training and work as a nurse in a medical spa. In this case, the nurse is trained and licensed to administer cosmetic treatments that require the use of lasers, or to administer injections such as botox. These treatments are performed under the supervision of a physician. Experienced LPNs may become supervisors or charge nurses at the facility where they work.