What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?
A Licensed Practical Nurse is an integral part of the health care profession, working closely with other healthcare team members to provide nursing care to patients in various work environments. Working with specialized instruments and equipment, an LPN will monitor and document patient progress and provide detailed and accurate records. They may prepare a patient before surgery by shaving or cleaning the patient and offer postoperative comfort. A Licensed Practical Nurse provides education and training to patients, family members, and caregivers for home management and may give individuals home care.
Licensed Practical Nurse skills and qualifications
A Licensed Practical Nurse’s skills and qualifications are diverse, as they deal with both patients and other health care team members. They must be emotionally stable, as the day-to-day duties can include a high level of stress and pressure. An LPN treats all patients with respect and dignity and upholds a high standard of professionalism in their work. Some of the other skills and qualifications of a Licensed Practical Nurse may include:
- Desire to provide service to others with compassion and empathy
- Ability to problem-solve and analyze patient situations
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- Ability to perform work for extended periods with physical endurance
- Flexibility and willingness to adjust when working with patients
- Healthy people skills with an emphasis on being friendly and caring
Licensed Practical Nurse experience requirements
As an employer, it is important to know that Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) study from the same body of knowledge as Registered Nurses. Because of this, an LPN’s depth of understanding covers basic to advanced patient care. Look for candidates who have gained experience during the clinical and laboratory hands-on component of their educational training. Other experience you will want to look for can include surgical and operating room experience, working in a nursing home or extended care facility, or a health care center offering medical treatment to the community.
Licensed Practical Nurse education and training requirements
Candidates for a Licensed Practical Nurse position need to have completed a postsecondary practical nursing program from an approved college or vocational school program. A Licensed Practical Nurse must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination before practicing. Be sure to look for candidates who have received their licence to work as an LPN legally within each province or territory in Canada. It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain a license from the province’s regulatory body.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is $53,281 per year, depending on factors like experience, education, location, and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
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