Basic medical care is provided by licensed practical nurses. Doctors and registered nurses oversee their activities. The requirement for an RN to supervise an LPN varies by state. Some LPNs can only do certain things when supervised by a doctor or an RN.

The responsibilities of licensed practical nurses vary from state to state. LPNs can, for instance, initiate IV fluid drips and administer IV medications in some states. They are unable to complete these duties in other states. LPNs are permitted to draw blood in most states, though specific regulations may vary.

The responsibilities of a licensed practical nurse are vast. LPNs might:

• Monitor the health of patients: Checking a patient’s blood pressure and other vital signs are examples of this.
• Conduct routine medical procedures: This includes putting in catheters and changing bandages.
• Provide basic care for comfort: This includes helping patients with their dressing, eating, and bathing.
• Record keeping: LPNs are required to record each patient’s health in great detail.
• Reporting: The reporting of a patient’s health status to doctors and other providers is the responsibility of LPNs.
• Communication: LPNs must pay attention to their patients’ worries. They are required to discuss the patient’s care with the patient’s family.

Licensed practical nurse vs. registered nurse — what’s the difference?

• Registered nurses have a broader scope of practice than licensed practical nurses do. LPNs are involved in patient care directly. They take care of patients and carry out fundamental medical procedures.
• LPNs are typically overseen by RNs, who may play a more managerial role. They might give medicine and do other things for the medical profession. However, they collaborate more closely with a patient’s doctors. They provide treatment and develop care plans.
• LPNs and RNs receive different education and training. A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) are required for registered nurses.

What are the requirements to become a licensed practical nurse?

• In order to interact with RNs, doctors, and other providers effectively, LPNs need to have excellent communication skills. They must also be able to provide patient and family members with information in a thoughtful manner. It is essential to have a pleasant bedside manner when providing patient care. LPNs do best with genuine enthusiasm for helping other people.
• Additionally, LPNs must have excellent organizational skills. The work of licensed practical nurses is intense and fast-paced. An LPN’s ability to multitask and manage information is critical to a patient’s health and well-being.
• A tolerance for bodily fluids and blood is necessary for LPNs. While providing care to their patients, they will see, smell, and touch a variety of things. These difficulties are beyond the reach of everyone.

How do you become a registered nurse?
To begin the process of becoming a licensed practical nurse, you must have a high school diploma or a GED. You must then enroll in a practical nursing program that is accredited. These courses are available at vocational and community colleges. A program is accredited if it meets and maintains a certain instructional standard.

The education of a licensed practical nurse combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience. Courses that you’ll take include:

• Nursing.
• Biology.
• Pharmacology.

After completing an LPN certification program, you must apply for testing authorization. You apply for the test through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and your local nursing board.

You take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) following your authorization. Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a licensed practical nurse in every state. To obtain your license and begin working as an LPN, you must pass the exam. Your license will be sent to you in the mail once you pass the test. After that, you can begin your LPN career.

An LPN can advance their career in a variety of ways. This includes professional association certification programs. By finishing these programs, you show that you know a lot about a particular subject. Programs for certification include:

• Patient counseling certification.
• Intravenous (IV) therapy certification.
• Advanced life support certification.
• Long-term and hospice care certification.

Candidate training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is frequently required by many employers.

How long does it take to become an LPN?

• An LPN program typically lasts one to two years for most people. However, the amount of time required varies according to the program and the number of credit hours taken at a time.