Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, provide less direct medical care than registered nurses, or RNs. However, they do frequently assist in the treatment of patients, working under the supervision of RNs. In this capacity, they may provide basic care, such as changing bandages or monitoring patients' vital signs.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for LPNs, with an estimated 22 percent increase in employment between 2010 and 2020. The BLS also reports that the median annual wage for LPNs as of May 2010 was $40,380.
The role of LPN was originally created to ease the burden created by nursing shortages and they play a similar role today, often "floating" between departments, filling in wherever the hospital most needs them. While they don't have the same number of responsibilities or privileges as registered nurses, they take on many important nursing duties and support RNs and doctors in their roles as caregivers. Each state has its own regulations regarding what LPNs are authorized to do. In some states, for example, LPNs can start a patient's intravenous drip, while in others only an RN may do so. State regulations also differ on how much direct supervision LPNs must have from an RN.
LPNs frequently assist in patient diagnosis by monitoring and recording vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and other health indicators. They also draw blood and collect other specimens for diagnostic testing, and in some states may perform routine blood work or other testing without supervision. In Iowa, for example, LPNs can test patients for tuberculosis and frequently conduct routine screening for newborns. In states where they cannot perform diagnostic testing on their own, they help doctors, registered nurses and other medical professionals collect samples or prep patients for diagnostic procedures, such as X-Rays or CT scans.
In some states, LPNs can legally administer prescription medications to patients, insert and monitor catheters and IV lines and administer injections. Some even assist during surgical procedures, and those working in obstetrics may assist with childbirth. Some states grant LPNs a significant amount of responsibility, provided they act under the orders of a doctor or registered nurse. In Louisiana, for example, LPNs can insert feeding tubes, reinsert tracheotomy tubes, administer oxygen, administer heparin during hemodialysis and serve as first surgical assistant.
In some states or health care facilities, LPNs provide mainly supportive care, helping patients recover during illness or after surgery. They provide basic care such as applying clean bandages, treating bedsores and giving enemas. Even if they don't provide treatment for a patient's primary illness, they help reduce the risk of complications or secondary infections. They also help patients with feeding themselves and with basic hygiene, helping them regain independence after a traumatic injury or devastating illness. LPNs set up an environment conducive to the patient's recovery and allow the RNs and doctors to concentrate on treating the patient's primary ailment.
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