What Does an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?

LPN duties and responsibilities

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nurse that provides basic patient care and education. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs), doctors and other healthcare providers.

Each state has specific regulations about what duties an LPN can perform. Because of this, LPN duties may vary depending on where an LPN works.

LPN responsibilities can include:

• Patient monitoring. LPNs closely monitor patients' health by checking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. They can take patient histories and also perform physical exams.
• Basic medical care. LPNs can take patient histories and perform physical exams, as well as administer basic medical care, including changing bandages, inserting catheters, and assisting with wound care.
• Administer certain medicine. Depending on the state, LPNs may also administer IVs, PO (Per Os, per mouth/oral administration), IM (Intramuscular) or subcutaneous injections.
• Comfort care. LPNs provide essential care to patients, helping them with daily living activities, like bathing, dressing, and feeding.
• Record keeping. LPNs document all patient observations, treatments, and medications administered, to ensure accurate records.
• Reporting. LPNs communicate patients’ health statuses to physicians and other healthcare providers, ensuring timely, proper, and effective care.
• Communication. LPNs actively listen to patient concerns and discuss the care plan with patients and their families. They also provide education to patients and their families about care plans and medications.

LPN versus LVN: What’s the difference?

The terms LPN (licensed practical nurse) and LVN (licensed vocational nurse) are often used interchangeably. Both LPNs and LVNs perform basic nursing duties, work under the supervision of a nurse or doctor, and must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam to become licensed. 

The main difference between an LPN and LVN is the state in which they work. While most states use the term LPN, some states distinguish the role as LVN, even though the two roles are essentially the same.

LPN vs. related healthcare roles

Licensed practical nurses work with a variety of healthcare providers, including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and patient care technicians. While they may work closely together as a team, each job has unique duties.

• Registered nurses (RNs) have a broader scope of practice vs. LPNs, including assessing patient conditions, developing care plans, administering medications (including IVs), and managing patient care.
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and patient care technicians (PCTs): CNAs and PCTs provide basic patient care, such as assisting with bathing, dressing, and feeding. They also monitor vital signs. 

Both CNAs and PCTs need a high school diploma or GED and must complete a training program. A CNA training can be completed in several weeks. PCT training is more advanced and covers more topics, including phlebotomy and respiratory care, and may take a few months to complete.

Travel practical nurses

Travel LPNs relocate to different cities or states for short-term assignments, often in areas with high demand for healthcare professionals. They may work in a variety of environments, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, and provide basic patient care and education.

Travel LPNs may work for a staffing agency or on a freelance basis. They can work in remote locations or near their home. Some people choose to become travel LPNs to see different areas, have more flexibility, and the opportunity to earn higher pay rates than staff nurses.