Nursing School Guide

LPNs and LVNs are graduates of a practical nursing program whose qualifications have been examined by a state board of nursing and who has been legally authorized to practice as a licensed practical or vocational nurse (L.P.N. or L.V.N.), under supervision of a physician or registered nurse. Most LPNs are generalists and work in all areas of health care. However, some work in a specialized setting, such as a nursing home, a doctor's office, or in home health care. LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents' needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors' offices and clinics, they may be responsible for making appointments, keeping records, and performing other clerical duties. LPNs who work in home health care may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks. LPNs gather information from patients, including their health history and how they are currently feeling. They may use this information to complete insurance forms, pre-authorizations, and referrals, and they share information with registered nurses and doctors to help determine the best course of care for a patient.

• Measure and record patients' vital signs (i.e. height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
• Monitor in-and-out volumes (food, fluids, wastes)
• Assist with ADL's (i.e. bath, dress, personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking patients, feed patients who need help eating, and continence)
• Monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments
• Give enemas
• Treat bedsores
• Dress wounds
• Monitor catheters
• Give alcohol rubs
• Give massages
• They clean and monitor medical equipment
• Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides
• Teach family members how to care for a relative or teach patients about good health habits
• Collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, and
• LPNs may help to deliver, care for, and feed infants

 

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