“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 –
EBP is applicable and beneficial in different settings and let us look at recent example to understand the benefits of evidence-based practice in nursing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence-based practice was crucial in guiding nursing interventions and improving patient outcomes. One example was the implementation of strict hand hygiene protocols. Nurses implemented rigorous protocols, including regular handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Nursing schools are implementing evidence-based practice to train future nurses with the necessary skills to deliver evidence-based care from the start of their careers. Here are the steps involved in the successful implementation of EPB in nursing –
Implementing EBP in nursing may face challenges such as limited access to research literature, time constraints, resistance to change, and organizational barriers. However, modern healthcare practices demand overcoming these challenges. It requires leadership support, education and training, interprofessional collaboration, and promoting a culture in the healthcare sector that values EBP.
Healthcare organizations have been steadfast in promoting EBP adoption in nursing. Here are a few
strategies that can help promote the adoption of EBP in nursing
Let us now turn our attention to a few examples of evidence-based practice that showcase the benefits of evidence-based practice.
The time it takes to train as an LPN varies according to state and educational institution. Aspiring LPNs must complete a state-approved practical nursing program. Vocational schools, community colleges, or hospitals offer this training. Let us now look at the different aspects of training as an LPN.
LPN programs generally range from 12 to 24 months. You must undergo both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. At the end of the program, you need to pass the NCLEX-PN. It is important to prepare for this exam as aspirants who fail must wait 45 days to retake the same.
Several aspects can influence the time it takes to become an LPN, and these include –
Accelerated LPN programs are designed for individuals with a healthcare-related degree or who have completed certain prerequisite courses. These programs condense the curriculum and clinical training, allowing students to complete their LPN education in a shorter timeframe than freshers.
Most LPNs aspire to become RNs in the future, so you may want to know the difference between the role of LPNs and RNs. Both contribute to patient care, but their roles and responsibilities differ based on their education, scope of practice, and state regulations. LPNs work under the supervision of RNs and provide direct care, while RNs have a broader scope of practice, including assessing patients, developing care plans, and administering complex treatments.
LPNs focus on providing basic nursing care, such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities. On the other hand, RNs have a more comprehensive role that involves patient assessment, diagnosis, and the implementation of advanced nursing interventions.
LPNs complete a practical nursing program, while RNs achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). RNs have more extensive educational preparation, which allows for higher-paying career opportunities, specialization options, and potential for leadership roles.
LPNs and RNs collaborate to provide holistic patient care. LPNs contribute their expertise in direct patient care, while RNs bring their advanced knowledge and skills to coordinate and manage the overall care plan. Effective communication and mutual respect are vital for successful collaboration.
Licensed Practical Nurses are vital in delivering direct patient care. They work in diverse settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and clinics. If you plan to become an LPN, you must look for an institute focusing on evidence-based practice. It improves patient outcomes, enhances care quality and safety, and supports informed decision-making for nurses.
LPNs provide primary nursing care under the supervision of RNs, while RNs have a broader scope of practice, including assessment, diagnosis, and advanced interventions.
LPNs can specialize in specific areas of healthcare, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, or critical care, by gaining experience and pursuing additional training or certifications.
Evidence-based practice improves patient care by integrating the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform decision-making.
LPN has a shorter education and training period compared to other nursing roles. It offers opportunities for hands-on care and the potential to work in various healthcare settings.
Yes, LPNs can administer medications under the control of a registered nurse (RN) or a medic. However, the specific scope of medication administration may vary depending on regulations and healthcare settings.
Yes, LPNs can advance their careers and become registered nurses (RNs). One common option is to enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program.