The day-to-day duties of an LPN include a variety of critical, hands-on nursing duties including:
- Monitor patients’ health—for example, by checking their blood pressure
- Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
- Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
- Discuss the care they are providing with patients and listen to their concerns
- Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
- Keep records on patients’ health
LPNs also may give oral medications to patients, collect specimens (including blood, urine, and sputum), give feedings through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes, and perform CPR in emergency situations.
As an LPN, you might end up working in a wide variety of places—basically anywhere you can expect medical care to be provided—from a physician’s office or retirement home to a home-care facility. The hours will vary according to when the organization or place of business is open, or if it operates on shifts (i.e., day, night, overnight).
Becoming a licensed practical nurse will expose you to the profession and provide invaluable experience if you chose to advance your career as a registered nurse (RN) or earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in order to fill an administrative position or to perhaps eventually become a nursing instructor at a community college.
How to Become an LPN
Fortis is part of one of the largest nursing education providers in America, and is uniquely qualified to help you start your practical nursing career. Fortis has received international recognition for their leadership in using nursing simulation technology to educate nursing students and prepare them for working in the profession.
To start your nursing education, contact Fortis College in Cutler Bay today to learn about their PN program today!