Exploring LPN in Nursing: Duties, Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice, Career Comparisons, and More
Exploring LPN in Nursing: Duties, Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice, Career Comparisons, and More Exploring LPN in Nursing: Duties, Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice, Career Comparisons, and More “Nursing is one of the fine arts: I had almost said ‘the finest of fine arts.’” This quote from Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, aptly summarizes nurses’ role in our society. Nurses are the first ones to open the eyes of a newborn and often the last person to close the eyes of a dying person. It takes a lot of dedication, willingness to learn, and hard work to be a nurse and play a vital role in keeping mankind healthy and caring for the ill and the wounded. If you want to join this noble profession, you may want to start as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs are vital in providing quality patient care in the healthcare industry. You may have questions at this stage, such as what is LPN in nursing or how long does it take to become an LNP? In this detailed write-up, we shall cover all of these and discuss the significance of LPNs in healthcare, their duties and responsibilities, and the benefits of evidence-based practice in nursing. What is LPN in Nursing? LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. They are healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care under the maintenance of Registered Nurses (RNs) and other medical professionals. You perform various tasks in this role, including patient care, medication administration, documentation, and assistance with procedures and tests. You are responsible for administering the treatment to a patient as the doctor or the RNs recommend. It will be an understatement to say that LPNs are integral to the healthcare team. LPNs are the backbone of the healthcare system and contribute to the delivery of safe and effective patient care. An LPN is trained in a unique skill set that combines technical expertise and compassionate care, making them valuable assets in healthcare facilities. LPNs ensure patient comfort, monitor vital signs, administer medications, and emotionally support patients and their families. LPN Duties and Responsibilities If you are planning a career as an LPN, you must understand LPN duties and responsibilities before taking the plunge. LPNs have a defined scope of practice, which can vary from state to state. It typically includes wound care, medication administration, monitoring patient conditions, collecting data, and assisting with rehabilitation exercises. LPNS must work within their scope and collaborate with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care. Key Responsibilities and Tasks of LPNs Patient Care and Monitoring: The core role of an LPN is to offer immediate patient care, including bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility. They also monitor vital signs, observe patient conditions, and report any changes to RNs and doctors. Administering Medications and Treatments: Administering medications, injections, and intravenous fluids as healthcare providers prescribe is also important for an LPN. They also perform basic medical procedures, such as dressing changes and wound care. Assisting with Procedures and Tests: LPNs assist physicians and RNs during various procedures and tests, such as catheter insertions, specimen collections, and diagnostic examinations. They are the closest medical staff to a patient, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout these procedures. Documenting Patient Information: LPNs must maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records. They document vital signs, medications administered, treatments provided, and any observations regarding the patient’s condition. Accurate documentation is vital for continuity of care and allows doctors and RNs to make evidence-based decisions, improving patient outcomes. Where Can LPNs Work? Now that you have understood LPN duties and responsibilities, your next query would be where can LPNs work? As a trained LPN, you can choose from various career opportunities ahead of you. Here are the most common work settings for Licensed Practical Nurses. Hospitals and Medical Centers: This is the most widely explored career option among LPNs contribute to the care of patients in hospitals, assisting with routine tasks, administering medications, and monitoring patient conditions. Long-Term Care Facilities: LPNs are vital in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers. They care for elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses, ensuring comfort and well-being. The mean salaries at these facilities are higher than what they earn at hospitals. Rehabilitation Centers: There has been an increase in rehabilitation centers with an aging population. LPNs assist patients who have undergone surgery, experienced injuries or require rehabilitative therapy. Home Healthcare: This is again an area of high demand due to the growing percentage of the senior population. LPNs provide healthcare services in patients’ homes, offering personalized care and assistance with daily activities. Clinics and Doctor’s Offices: LPNs work in outpatient clinics and doctors’ offices, supporting healthcare providers in delivering primary care services, conducting assessments, and assisting with minor procedures. LPN Specialization Options and Career Paths LPNs can choose to specialize in specific areas of healthcare to enhance their knowledge and skills. Specializations may include pediatric care, gerontology, mental health, or surgical nursing. LPNs can also pursue further education and training to advance their careers, such as becoming Registered Nurses (RNs) through bridge programs. Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing If you have done basic research on a career as an LPN, you’d have come across the term evidence-based practice in nursing. What does it mean, and why is it important? EBP or nursing evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide decision-making. The goal is to provide optimal patient care based on their exact needs. EBP helps ensure that healthcare practices adhere to the most current and reliable Evidence, which results in improved patient care and outcomes. Advantages of Implementing EBP in Patient Care Evidence-based practice in nursing has several advantages, and it has been instrumental in improving modern healthcare. Let us walk you through three major advantages – Improved Patient Outcomes: EBP encourages research-driven interventions and practices that have benefitted people in the past and can do the same. It can lead to better patient outcomes, such as reduced complications, improved recovery rates, and increased patient satisfaction. Enhanced Quality and Safety of Care: By implementing evidence-based interventions,