Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs

Licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses provide patient care on a very personal level. They are usually responsible for taking vitals and monitoring in-and-out volumes, treating common patient problems like bedsores, and preparing or performing several procedures such as dressing wounds, bathing and dressing, and giving enemas. Licensed practical nurses usually report directly to physicians and Registered Nurses.

Licensed practical nurses are important in helping patients deal with their illness because they have frequent direct contact with patients. In some states, they may even administer prescribed medicines or start IV fluids.

Going into detail, licensed practical nurses provide prescribed medical treatment and personal care services to ill, injured, convalescent, and handicapped persons in hospitals, clinics, private homes, schools, and similar institutions. A licensed practical nurse: applies compresses, ice bags, and hot water bottles; observes patients and reports adverse reactions to medication or treatment to the medical personnel in charge; administers specified medication, orally or by subcutaneous or intermuscular injection, and notes time and amount on patients' charts; assembles and uses catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers; collects samples, such as urine, blood, and sputum, from patients for testing and performs routine laboratory tests on samples; sterilizes equipment and supplies; prepares or examines food trays; records food and fluid intake and output; assists patients in walking and turning; cleans rooms, makes beds, and answers patients' calls; washes and dresses bodies of deceased persons; may assist in delivery, care, and feeding of infants; and may inventory and requisition supplies.