Interested in practical nursing? Ever wished you could experience a day as a practical nurse to see what it’s really like? Wondering what Licensed Practical Nurses actually do?
If you’re considering a fulfilling career in healthcare, Licensed Practical Nurses (also known as LPNs) are the backbone of many healthcare facilities and are in high demand throughout BC. With this blog post, you will learn just how essential they are to our healthcare system.
A Licensed Practical Nurse’s duties include providing direct patient care and ensuring continuity of care through documentation and communication, however, the impact they make goes much deeper than that. They are the healthcare heroes who dedicate their lives to caring for others. When someone is injured or ill, they are the ones who provide care and comfort. When someone’s health declines and they need long-term care, they put their trust in LPNs to care for them when they can no longer do it themselves. LPNs are selfless, kind, hard-working, and essential to the healthcare system.
This blog post provides a detailed overview of a day in the life of an LPN. Licensed Practical Nurse job duties vary depending on where they work, so keep reading (or click the links below) to learn more about what Licensed Practical Nurses do in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hospitals
Licensed Practical Nurses in Long-Term Care
Sprott Shaw College is proud to offer a Practical Nursing program and a fast-track Practical Nursing Access program for Health Care Assistants looking for a career upgrade. Want to learn more about our Practical Nursing programs? Our advisors are available to answer your questions!
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hospitals
For an LPN working in a hospital setting, their day involves numerous patient check-ins and assessments. Once they begin their shift, they review the report left by the LPN from the previous shift to get up to speed on their patients’ statuses and well-being. Throughout the day, they check on each patient under their care—usually four to six—at least once an hour. LPNs ensure their patients are comfortable and their vitals are stable. During a check-in, a Licensed Practical Nurse’s duties include checking their patient’s temperature and blood pressure, monitoring their vital signs, changing bandages, monitoring their fluid intake and output, and collecting specimen samples depending on their patient’s needs and what tests they may require. It’s important that LPNs document all assessments they perform and every update they observe. There are many overlapping and time-sensitive tasks that LPNs are responsible for, so time management and priority setting are crucial to ensuring patient care is executed properly.
In a hospital setting, LPNs must be expert communicators and comfortable talking to patients and their families. Hospital patients are usually going through an unexpected situation that is nerve-wracking or uncomfortable, so it’s important that LPNs are able to explain what to expect from their hospitalization and make them feel comfortable and at ease. Not only is this important for the overall well-being of the patient, but if a patient trusts their LPNs, they are better at communicating their concerns and needs. This makes it easier for LPNs to garner a better understanding of what the patient is going through and how they can help.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Long-Term Care
In long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Licensed Practical Nurse job duties can vary from those who work in hospitals. In this setting, LPNs typically work with the same set of patients, which means that they can develop rapport and routines. When you get to know your patients, you have a better understanding of their needs and struggles and what to expect during your shift.
Several of the principal tasks of an LPN are the same as those in hospitals. They administer medication, measure temperature and blood pressure, and monitor vital signs, all while documenting their assessments throughout the day. In long-term care settings, Licensed Practical Nurse duties include assisting patients with daily living activities such as eating, bathing, toileting, and dressing. If needed, LPNs in long-term care may also need to care for wounds, surgical incisions, catheters, and other medical apparatuses.
One of the major responsibilities of an LPN in a long-term care facility that differs from those in hospitals is the emotional and social aspect of their job. Part of a Licensed Practical Nurse’s job duties in this setting is providing emotional support to their patients. Many patients in long-term care, especially elderly residents in nursing homes, seek connection and support in what can often be a lonely and confusing environment. Patients may only be a part of an LPN’s work life, but LPNs are part of patients’ personal lives; therefore, it is up to LPNs to be a trustworthy, friendly, and supportive presence. LPNs in long-term care must also communicate regularly with their patients’ families to keep them updated on their loved one’s care plan and if there are any changes to their health.
Launch Your Practical Nursing Career With Sprott Shaw College
Sprott Shaw College is proud to be one of the largest practical nursing training providers in British Columbia. As a student in our Practical Nursing program, you will receive hands-on training at one of our 15 campuses across the province and get real-world experience during the 7-week preceptorship built into the program. In just a year and a half, you can go from enrolling and studying to working your dream job and making a positive impact in your community.
Have questions or ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking to enroll or you want to learn more about our Practical Nursing program, our Admissions Advisors are here to help! They can answer your questions and guide you through the enrollment process when you’re ready. Click the button below to complete a contact form, and an advisor will get back to you soon!