Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description
When people think of nurses and nurse duties, they often combine the roles and responsibilities of a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse. A licensed practical nurse job description will vary from employer to employer. Regardless of their employer, they are an integral part of the medical team.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description
A licensed practical nurse job description is more than what is listed on a job posting. These positions are often the balance of a specific type of personality and medical skill set. The personality of a licensed practical nurse is often seen as equally important, by potential employers, as the actual capabilities of the individual. A licensed practical nurse will be working closely with patients in many instances. It is quite critical to possess the characteristics most sought after in all nursing positions. You will need to have empathy, a calming demeanor, a positive attitude at all times, enjoy working with people, patience, and handle stressful situations well. If you do not react well in emergency situations, this may not be the position for you.
Your day-to-day roles and responsibilities will vary. It is impossible to predict a standard day in the medical field. Each day will present a new set of challenges. You should always be prepared. In most cases, your direct responsibilities will be to aid the doctors and registered nurses in their administration medical duties to ensure they have time to administer the appropriate patient care required. You may take blood pressure or take the height and weight of patients. You may take a patient’s temperature or change dressings. You may administer prescription drugs on the doctor’s behalf. In a growing trend, licensed practical nurses are being privately hired to provide care in people’s homes. If you choose this path, be certain to complete as many medical online certifications as possible prior to your start date.
Licensed Practical Nurse vs Registered Nurse
As previously mentioned, people often confuse a licensed practical nurse job description and a registered nurse. In general, the licensed practical nurses adhere to a more administration role such as maintaining patient’s record, answering phone calls, and making appointments. A licensed practical nurse will be trained to administer basic nurse care; however, many times these responsibilities are completed by the registered nurse. A registered nurse will require more training and further education than a licensed practical nurse. Registered nurses must complete online degrees from two to four year online programs. The time is longer and the cost is greater; however, they make more money, as well.
Other differences can be seen in the daily roles and responsibilities. A registered nurse may be responsible for the more complex cases. A licensed practical nurse will play a more supporting role to the doctor and registered nurse. Both roles are extremely important to the success of patient care. The two work perfectly together. This is proven time again because they are always confused for the other in the doctors office or hospital.
A licensed practical nurse job description may not seem exciting to some people. To others, it may seem exciting. If you are seeking a position to help people, this may be for you.
