Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide essential hands-on care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. LPNs play a crucial role in providing patient care. LPNs check vital signs, change dressings, and help bathe. They can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare, and doctors’ offices. With constant job openings in various settings, many LPNs choose to stay in that role, but this position can also serve as a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
About Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs care for ill or injured persons or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, and similar institutions. On the job, they observe patients, chart and report changes in patient conditions, measure and record patients’ vital signs, and can administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids. LPNs typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Key Tasks
- Establishes and documents patient treatment regimen under supervision of RN or MD and implements treatment
- Maintains inventory of examination room supplies and prepares exam rooms at the beginning and end of day and between each patient contact
- Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients’ conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action
- Sterilize equipment and supplies
- Make appointments, keep records, or perform other clerical duties in doctors’ offices or clinics
- Provide basic patient care or treatments
Key Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Customer Service
Education & Certifications
- Training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Local College/ University Programs
- Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center Practical Nursing
- Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
- Fortis Institute
Industry Sector Employers
- Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab
- Allied Services
- Geisinger
- Regional Hospital of Scranton
- Moses Taylor Hospital
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- Maternal & Family Health Services
- Interim Healthcare Services
- Aveanna Healthcare
- St. Joseph’s Center