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What is an LPN?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional who is able to perform a wide variety of tasks under the supervision or a registered nurse (RN) or doctor. LPNs are also known as Licensed Vocation Nurses (LVNs) in some regions. These members of the health care community can provide a wide range of valuable services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential care facilities, and private homes.

In order to become an LPN, a nurse must take a one to two year vocational training program. He or she can also choose to pursue certification in specializations such as oncology or obstetrics to provide nursing in particular subsets of the medical field. Vocational colleges and some nursing schools offer programs for this type of nursing, along with practical experience to students. Most candidates try to get a good grounding in biology in high school, and some may also pursue training in a foreign language so that they can work in areas with a mixed population.

An LPN can perform routine tasks in various healthcare settings.
An LPN can perform routine tasks in various healthcare settings.

Once he or she is certified, an LPN can provide patient care at a range of levels. He or she can do routine nursing tasks like assisting patients with bathing, going to the bathroom and going to physical therapy, along with monitoring patients, charting changes in their condition, and collecting samples for testing. LPNs can also start intravenous drips, perform minor procedures, change dressings, and engage in similar tasks under the supervision of a doctor or RN.

An LPN can start intravenous drips.
An LPN can start intravenous drips.

LPNs cannot perform complex tasks like anesthesia induction and surgery, but they can be involved in many aspects of a patient's care. In a busy hospital, LPNs often float, taking up slack as needed on various wards to ensure that patients receive the level of care they need. They may also provide basic primary care to patients in a medical clinic, and help to teach community information classes or to formulate a nursing plan for a specific patient.

LPNs might work in nursing homes and help residents with mobility programs.
LPNs might work in nursing homes and help residents with mobility programs.

Employment prospects for an LPN, especially one with specialized training, tend to be quite good. Many nations experience chronic nursing shortages, and welcome skilled medical professionals who can assist with patient care. Depending on an LPN's preference, he or she could seek employment as a private nurse caring for patients in their homes, or work with patients in a residential facility or hospital, providing primary care and nursing interventions to patients in need. Some LPNs also decide to pursue additional training so that they can become registered nurses or doctors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon327693

What are the promotions for the LPN field?

Sara Brown

This is an excellent article - extremely helpful to get start-up information. Thanks!

turtlez

LPN nursing schools are a great place to start when you're looking into getting in the medical field. While most LPN nursing programs can be found on-campus, there are several options coming up in regards to online LPN nursing schools.

win199

@oasis11 - I agree with you in that the medical field is a great choice for a career. However, I feel that LPN's often get the short end of the stick and even more often than that, they have to do some low-down jobs in order to make that $40K a year.

LPNs also have the choice sometimes to become traveling nurses which can be a great opportunity if you're up for it. LPN nursing jobs will be around for a while, though, and you should check up on all of the different articles on how the medical field is projected to grow.

oasis11

I just want to add that being an LPN only requires a two year training program which could be done online or at a local community college.

This field is great because the average starting salary is $40,000 and the demand could not be greater. Many LPN graduates later go back to school to become an RN or a registered nurse.

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    • An LPN can perform routine tasks in various healthcare settings.
      By: auremar
      An LPN can perform routine tasks in various healthcare settings.
    • An LPN can start intravenous drips.
      By: Firma V
      An LPN can start intravenous drips.
    • LPNs might work in nursing homes and help residents with mobility programs.
      By: nyul
      LPNs might work in nursing homes and help residents with mobility programs.
    • A person seeking to become an LPN typically must pass a licensing examination, and still must often work under the supervision of an RN, or registered nurse.
      By: Monkey Business
      A person seeking to become an LPN typically must pass a licensing examination, and still must often work under the supervision of an RN, or registered nurse.
    • An LPN nurse may be tasked with reviewing and updating a patient's chart.
      By: Tom Wang
      An LPN nurse may be tasked with reviewing and updating a patient's chart.