How to Be Licensed Practical Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is vital in the medical field. By providing direct patient care such as taking vital signs and administering medications, LPNs can have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of their patients. In addition, they are responsible for recording patient data and reporting changes in their patients’ condition to a Registered Nurse or physician.

This can lead to more timely medical interventions, and improve the overall quality of care. Furthermore, by providing support and guidance to nursing staff, LPNs play an important role in promoting a positive work environment and contributing to better patient outcomes.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Before enrolling in a practical nurse program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
2. Complete an Approved Practical Nurse Program. Practical nursing programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools and universities. Programs vary in length but generally take one to two years to complete.
3. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination. After completing the practical nurse program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). The NCLEX-PN is a standardized exam that assesses your knowledge and skills required to become a licensed practical nurse.
4. Apply for State Licensing. Once you pass the NCLEX-PN, you must apply for state licensing. Each state has its own requirements for licensing, which may include submitting an application, providing proof of graduation from an accredited program and passing a criminal background check.
5. Complete Continuing Education Requirements. All states require continuing education for licensed practical nurses. The number of continuing education hours required varies by state, but typically ranges from 15 to 30 hours per year.

Staying ahead and qualified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) requires dedication and effort. It is important to stay up to date with the latest regulations and best practices in the field, as well as to have a clear understanding of the scope of practice and the responsibilities of an LPN. To do this, it is important to attend continuing education courses, read professional literature, and participate in online forums.

staying connected with other nurses and related professionals can help expand one’s knowledge base and stay informed about changes in the field. Finally, staying organized and taking notes during each patient encounter can help a nurse stay on top of changes in the patient’s condition, enabling them to provide the best care possible. By following these steps, an LPN can remain ahead and qualified in the field.

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Job Description

1. Provide direct patient care, including bathing, dressing, feeding, ambulation, and other activities of daily living.
2. Observe and document patient behavior and vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
3. Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
4. Educate patients and families on health topics and self-care techniques.
5. Maintain a clean and safe environment in the patient’s room or area.
6. Participate in interdisciplinary care planning meetings to discuss patient progress and goals.
7. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
8. Provide emotional support to patients and families.
9. Monitor and report changes in patient condition to the supervising nurse or physician.
10. Assist with medical procedures as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
2. Ability to accurately interpret and assess patient’s needs
3. Ability to take vital signs, document medical history, and administer medications
4. Knowledge of therapeutic treatments and techniques
5. Ability to provide patient teaching and education
6. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals
7. Ability to provide emotional support and comfort to patients
8. Strong organizational and time management skills
9. Ability to work in a team environment
10. Ability to maintain professional boundaries

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, the most important skill to have is excellent communication. Good communication ensures that patients receive the appropriate care, and it also helps to build a trusting relationship between the nurse and the patient. This is essential in order to provide the best possible care and comfort to the patient.

Furthermore, communication with other healthcare professionals is vital to ensure that all parties involved have an understanding of the patient’s needs and are able to work together in providing the best possible care. Good communication also helps to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently, which is beneficial for both the patient and healthcare team. good communication skills are essential for a Licensed Practical Nurse to be successful in providing quality care to their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What led you to pursue a career in Licensed Practical Nursing?
• What experience do you have in providing direct patient care?
• How would you handle a situation where a patient is not compliant with their treatment or medication regimen?
• What is your experience working with other healthcare professionals?
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in a nursing role.
• How do you stay up to date on new technology and developments in the LPN field?
• How would you handle a situation where you had to delegate tasks to unlicensed staff?
• What strategies do you use to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality?
• How do you handle stressful situations while on the job?
• What would you do if you had to provide care for a patient with an infectious disease?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Stethoscope. Used to listen to heart and lung sounds (eg: auscultation of the heart).
2. Blood Pressure Cuff. Used to measure a patient's blood pressure (eg: checking a patient's systolic and diastolic pressure).
3. Glucometer. Used to measure a patient's blood glucose level (eg: checking a patient's blood sugar level).
4. Thermometer. Used to measure a patient's temperature (eg: taking an oral temperature reading).
5. Sphygmomanometer. Used to measure a patient's blood pressure (eg: checking a patient's systolic and diastolic pressure).
6. Otoscope. Used to look inside the ear (eg: inspecting the ear canal for wax build-up).
7. Bandage Scissors. Used to cut bandages (eg: trimming a patient's bandage).
8. Glucose Test Strips. Used to check a patient's blood glucose level (eg: testing a patient's urine for glucose).
9. Syringes. Used to administer injections (eg: injecting a patient with medication).
10. Needles. Used to draw blood or administer injections (eg: drawing a patient's blood for testing).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
2. American Nurses Association (ANA)
3. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
4. National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN)
5. National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN)
6. American Medical Association (AMA)
7. National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
8. American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
9. American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
10. International Council of Nurses (ICN)

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Common Important Terms

1. Registered Nurse (RN). A Registered Nurse is a healthcare professional who is responsible for providing medical care to patients and families. They are highly educated and trained in a variety of nursing tasks and are licensed by the state in which they work.
2. Nursing Diagnosis. Nursing Diagnosis is a process of making clinical judgments about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems or life processes. It is used to guide nursing interventions and monitor patient outcomes.
3. Patient Assessment. Patient Assessment is the evaluation of a patient's current physical, emotional, and psychological condition. It involves gathering data through physical examination, lab tests, and patient interviews to determine the patient's overall health status.
4. Medication Administration. Medication Administration is the process of giving medication to patients. This includes administering medications as prescribed by a physician, monitoring patient response to medications, and educating patients about their medications.
5. Infection Control. Infection Control is the practice of preventing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings through education, training, and guidelines. It involves identifying sources of infection, controlling transmission, and providing appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary of a Licensed Practical Nurse?

The average annual salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse is approximately $46,240.

What are the educational requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse, one must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

What type of duties are typically performed by a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Duties typically include taking vital signs, recording medical histories, administering medications, and providing basic patient care.

What are the primary differences between a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse?

The primary differences between Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are the educational requirements, scope of practice, and job duties. Registered Nurses typically have more advanced educational requirements and a broader scope of practice, while Licensed Practical Nurses have more limited responsibilities.

How long does it typically take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?

It typically takes 1-2 years to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, depending on the program.

What are jobs related with Licensed Practical Nurse?

• Community Health Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Family Practice Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• Registered Nurse
• Orthopedic Nurse
• Medical Records/Health Information Management (HIM) Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Wound Care Nurse

Web Resources

• Licensed Practical Nursing – Alaska Pacific University www.alaskapacific.edu
• Licensed Practical Nurse - Allied Health Careers Institute ahci.edu
• What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do exactly? pmi.edu