Common Duties
Many tasks are performed regardless of the job environment. The LPN will usually be the first medical professional to work with a patient. Recording the patient’s history is one of the first duties. Other jobs the LPN performs include:
Giving medication as prescribed by a physician
Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight
Basic wound care including cleaning and bandaging injured areas
Giving injections of medication
Immunizations
Taking medical histories
Entering information into computer systems
Job-Specific Duties
In addition to the standard duties of the LPN there are some that are specific to certain job settings. When dealing with ill or injured patients in a hospital, the duties often are:
Managing IVs
Ensuring patients and their families understand release instructions
Supervising CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants)
Monitoring fluid and food intake and output
Moving patients safely
LPNs often work with patients in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. They are also common in the home health care field. All of these jobs may require the nurse to perform additional tasks including:
Assessing patients’ reactions to medications
Assessing patients' mental health
Providing emotional support
Assisting with daily needs such as bathing and dressing
Observation of patients' skin for potential bed sores
Medical offices and clinics employ many LPNs. In addition to nursing duties, there are often paperwork responsibilities such as:
Scheduling appointments
Keeping medical records current
Billing patients
Working with insurance companies
Writing prescriptions at a physician's request
The LPN is often the first face a patient sees. He or she can advocate for the patient when working with the RN or doctor in charge. Ability to handle a diverse range of situations and responsibilities is the primary duty of an LPN. Whether working in a traditional hospital or medical setting or on the front lines in home health care, the LPN is a vital member of the health care team.
Many tasks are performed regardless of the job environment. The LPN will usually be the first medical professional to work with a patient. Recording the patient’s history is one of the first duties. Other jobs the LPN performs include:
Giving medication as prescribed by a physician
Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight
Basic wound care including cleaning and bandaging injured areas
Giving injections of medication
Immunizations
Taking medical histories
Entering information into computer systems
Job-Specific Duties
In addition to the standard duties of the LPN there are some that are specific to certain job settings. When dealing with ill or injured patients in a hospital, the duties often are:
Managing IVs
Ensuring patients and their families understand release instructions
Supervising CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants)
Monitoring fluid and food intake and output
Moving patients safely
LPNs often work with patients in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. They are also common in the home health care field. All of these jobs may require the nurse to perform additional tasks including:
Assessing patients’ reactions to medications
Assessing patients' mental health
Providing emotional support
Assisting with daily needs such as bathing and dressing
Observation of patients' skin for potential bed sores
Medical offices and clinics employ many LPNs. In addition to nursing duties, there are often paperwork responsibilities such as:
Scheduling appointments
Keeping medical records current
Billing patients
Working with insurance companies
Writing prescriptions at a physician's request
The LPN is often the first face a patient sees. He or she can advocate for the patient when working with the RN or doctor in charge. Ability to handle a diverse range of situations and responsibilities is the primary duty of an LPN. Whether working in a traditional hospital or medical setting or on the front lines in home health care, the LPN is a vital member of the health care team.