It’s no secret that nursing is an in-demand career, especially in the US. With the job outlook for nurses remaining strong in the coming years, pursuing a nursing career is a great career move, especially if you’re interested in being part of the healthcare industry and helping those in need. When people think of nursing, they usually think of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), which requires getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, you can start your nursing career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — a healthcare profession that doesn’t require you to complete a four-year degree.
In this article, we give an overview of what an LPN is and does, the essential skills LPNs must embody, and a step-by-step guide on how to become an LPN.
What is an LPN?
An LPN performs essential medical tasks under the supervision of an RN, a doctor, and other healthcare specialists. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aside from delivering medical care to patients, LPNs are also responsible for maintaining clear communication lines within the healthcare team and connecting patients and family members with their healthcare providers. As healthcare professionals, LPNs work in different healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities, and doctors’ clinics.
LPN duties and responsibilities: What does a typical workday look like for an LPN?
Rarely do LPNs have dull workdays — depending on the healthcare setting, they often have a full schedule that includes essential patient care-related tasks, including but not limited to:
· Administering medications
· Monitoring and documenting medications and treatments for adverse reactions and patients’ food intake to ensure proper nutritional intake
· Taking vital signs
· Providing wound care to reduce the risk of infections
· Collecting specimens for medical analysis
· Preparing patients for medical procedures and administering post-operative care
Typically, LPNs work 8-, 10- or 12-hour work shifts. Depending on the number of hours worked per day, LPNs can work three to five days per week.
Becoming an LPN: A step-by-step guide from LPN schooling, certification, to licensing
As previously mentioned, choosing to become an LPN will allow you to join the healthcare workforce relatively quickly. The upside of becoming an LPN is that you can gain work experience faster, and, down the road, you can continue your studies to become an RN if you so choose.
The following are what you need to do to become an LPN:
1. Get an LPN certification
First, you must earn an LPN certificate or diploma from an accredited and state-approved college or vocational school. These courses will allow you to gain knowledge of anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, and other important subjects. You will also learn about and develop basic nursing skills and experience hands-on training.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN
After acquiring your LPN certification, you must take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam and register through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which is a prerequisite to obtaining an LPN license. It’s important to note that state eligibility requirements vary depending on the state where you’re located.
3. Optional: Get a specialized LPN certification
Getting a specialized certification will allow you to focus on working in your setting, advancing your career, and getting better pay. There are many LPN specialty certifications you can explore, including IV therapy, pharmacology, and neonatal advanced life support.
What important skills must LPNs have?
Like any other profession, there are important skills LPNs must have to deliver effective, efficient, and compassionate patient care. Aside from clinical skills, the following are some essential LPN skills to hone and add to your resume:
· Communication skills: You must communicate clearly and compassionately, which are not only essential when dealing with patients, but they’re also important when relaying information and working with other healthcare professionals.
· Time-management and decision-making skills: Because LPNs usually have a hectic workday ahead of them, it’s essential to have time-management and decision-making skills that will allow you to prioritize tasks based on their importance.
· Dedication and patience: To provide patient-centered care, LPNs must be dedicated to their work and have patience, especially with patients who are in pain or are in distress.
Build a rewarding healthcare career as an LPN at Oculus Health
At Oculus Health, we find new and experienced LPNs travel nursing jobs that match their skills and preferences.
Have your sights set on a thriving healthcare career? Start it at Oculus Health. Explore our job openings, learn about our easy application process, and discover the perks of working with us.
