Licensed Practical Nurse
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What does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) do?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are directly involved in providing basic patient care and ensuring that patients are comfortable and well cared for. There will be times when an LPN administers certain medications and performs other duties such as taking blood pressure, inserting catheters, and recording other vital signs.
Though LPNs and Registered Nurses (RN) differ in their scopes of practice, their daily duties often overlap. An RN is usually involved with more complex decision-making, while an LPN primarily handles basic nursing care. A career as an LPN, which only requires a one-year diploma or certificate, offers quick access to the promising field of nursing, while an associate or bachelor’s degree is required to become an RN.
Discover what it’s like to be an LPN by viewing a short video.
Note: This video has been provided by the U.S. Department of Labor careeronestop website and the actual duties of this role at the University of Rochester may vary.
Minimum education and training
Completion of a Licensed Practical Nurse program and a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn credentials.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
In addition to strong clinical skills, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills are needed when interacting with colleagues, patients, and families. Must have basic computer skills, including keyboarding. Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality and manage time effectively.
Days/hours
Schedule will be based on work location; an LPN can be found on all shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Position locations
- Primary Care Offices
- Nursing Homes
- Inpatient Hospital Departments
- Specialty Clinics
Work environment
- Physical Demands: LPNs are on their feet for long periods and may lift or move patients, making the role physically demanding. They may be exposed to infectious diseases, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Collaboration: LPNs work closely with RNs, physicians, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals. Strong communication and teamwork are essential for effective patient care.
- Emotional Demands and Rewards: The role can be emotionally rewarding but also challenging, as LPNs care for sick, injured, or dying patients. Compassion, patience, and resilience are critical for managing the emotional demands.
Pay range
Use the code URC 209 for inpatient and URC 210 for outpatient to find the pay range in the General and Clinical University pay ranges section of the University’s Compensation page.
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal benchmarking considerations.
Possible career pathways
Examples of pathways within this job family at the University of Rochester:
- LPN > RN >Advanced Practice RN (APRN)
- LPN > RN > Assistant Nurse Manager > Nurse Manager > Nursing Director
URCP Educational Partners
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