Practical nursing, also known as licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN) in some states, is considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers. Practical nurses are highly valued in the healthcare industry, where they provide care and support to patients alongside registered nurses (RNs) and licensed physicians. Their responsibilities primarily include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, catheterizing patients, assisting with daily activities, and offering emotional support to patients and their families. Becoming a practical nurse involves overcoming many challenges, similar to those in everyday business. The journey includes a demanding education and the mental and physical demands of the job. It requires a combination of technical knowledge, resilience, and compassion. Despite these obstacles, many are drawn to this profession due to the fulfilling nature of the work and the opportunity to make significant positive changes in the lives of others.
The challenges of the profession
Physical demands
The job primarily involves transferring patients, which requires physical labor. Lifting patients, moving equipment, and performing repetitive tasks can lead to strain or injuries, especially as nurses often work on their feet for up to 12 hours at a time. In an old-age treatment facility, a nurse tends to many patients who need assistance with mobility and personal care.
Emotional toll
Practical nursing is emotionally demanding. Nurses come across patients who are suffering from critical diseases, mostly chronic, or else those who are in the process of dying. It is usually a challenge to keep a healthy professional distance between interaction with the patient and the family. Seeing the suffering and many deaths almost daily may lead to compassion fatigue or burnout in improper management.
Time management
A typical shift for a practical nurse involves a whirlwind of tasks, including administering medications, dressing wounds, recording vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, and more. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for ensuring that each patient receives quality care. However, newly graduated nurses often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work they have to manage at the beginning of their careers.
Interpersonal challenges
Practical nurses often find themselves working within an interdisciplinary team that includes doctors, registered nurses, patients, and their families. However, miscommunication and conflict can sometimes arise in these high-stress environments. Therefore, strong communication and conflict management skills are essential for future training in maternal care.
Scope of practice limitations
The scope of practice for practical nurses does not align with that of registered nurses, which can lead to frustration among licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Although LPNs/LVNs often have experience in many areas, they are restricted from performing certain duties that are designated for registered nurses (RNs). These nurses are expected to adapt to various situations while maintaining their independence and collaborating with others, even when those tasks fall outside their scope of practice.
Coping with the challenges
Building resilience
Healthy coping mechanisms such as being mindful, exercising, or even getting help from colleagues ease up the tension to avoid the chances of burnout encountered by nurses.
Continuing education
Practical nurses who engage in lifelong education and development of the profession often feel more confident and more prepared to face the complexities of their work. Many LPNs/LVNs move on with their career development to attain registered nurse status, thus opening more doors for them in terms of the scope of work and responsibilities.
Strong support networks
Having a supportive workplace can greatly impact nurses; establishing strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and supervisors fosters a culture of shared purpose where everyone is working towards a common goal.
Prioritizing self-care
Self-care for practical nurses is essential for both their physical and mental well-being. Taking time to relax can significantly impact one’s mental state. Ensuring adequate rest, maintaining balanced nutrition, and engaging in hobbies outside of work are all important practices that help nurses recharge and refocus on their goals.
Why do people choose practical nursing despite the challenges
Practical nursing can be a challenging job, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Many Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are dedicated to helping patients. Being able to provide comfort, support, and healing during vulnerable moments in a patient’s life is very fulfilling. In addition, practical nursing offers job security and flexibility. There are numerous employment opportunities in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home care, largely due to the growing demand for healthcare professionals. This profession also offers good opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
Conclusion
Practical nursing can be quite challenging, but it is rewarding for those who are passionate about caring for others. The journey requires significant effort and dedication to meet the emotional and physical demands of the role before becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Aspiring practical nurses should be aware of what to expect and prepare to face the challenges ahead. With resilience and support, and by focusing on personal growth, practical nurses can find value in themselves and derive satisfaction from their essential role in the healthcare system.