The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential nursing care to patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and in collaboration with the healthcare team. The LPN supports patient care by conducting assessments, administering medications, and implementing care plans. This role ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality care in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act, professional standards, and state regulations while contributing to positive patient outcomes.
Provides direct patient care under the supervision of an RN, including monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and responding to patient needs. Conducts focused patient assessments, identifying and reporting changes in patient conditions to the appropriate team members. Administers medications, treatments, and injections as prescribed, ensuring compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and safety protocols.
Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care plans. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care, interventions, and observations in the medical record. Educates patients and families on health maintenance, medication management, and post-discharge care.
Ensures adherence to infection control protocols, safety standards, and healthcare regulations. Assists with basic procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and specimen collection within the scope of practice. Participates in the orientation and training of new staff or nursing students as assigned.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure the delivery of coordinated care. Prepares and maintains equipment and supplies necessary for patient care. Responds to medical emergencies and supports code team interventions within the scope of competency.
Emergency Services: Support triage and assist with collecting patient history and vitals. Prepare patients for procedures and assist RNs and providers during care. Administer prescribed medications within scope.
Provide basic wound care and apply dressings as directed. Assist in stabilizing patients under supervision. OR Services LPN: Prepare patients pre-operatively and assist with surgical prep.
Monitor patients in pre-op and post-op under RN supervision. Assist with vital signs, catheter insertion, and surgical checklist procedures. Provide post-operative care including dressing changes and discharge teaching under RN guidance.
Cardiac Surgery LPN: Monitor vital signs, perform ECGs, and report abnormal findings to RN or provider. Assist with post-op care such as wound care and activity support. Administer prescribed medications as allowed under LPN scope.
Document patient status and support recovery milestones. Endoscopy LPN: Prepare patients for procedures by reviewing intake forms and obtaining vitals. Assist in positioning patients and providing emotional support.
Monitor patients during recovery and provide post-procedure education under RN guidance. Clean and restock procedure rooms and ensure equipment is prepped. Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Postpartum/Nursery LPN: Assist with maternal vital sign monitoring and postpartum care.
Provide newborn care including bathing, feeding support, and diaper changes. Administer prescribed medications to mothers and newborns within scope. Support breastfeeding education and routine screenings under RN direction.
Assist with documentation and family education. Oncology LPN: Provide supportive care including medication administration, hygiene, and comfort. Monitor for side effects and report findings to RN or provider.
Offer emotional support and reinforce education provided by RNs. Assist with central line dressing changes (if trained) and symptom tracking. Orthopedics LPN: Assist with mobility, transfers, and use of assistive devices.
Apply braces, splints, or slings as directed. Provide pain medication as prescribed. Monitor neurovascular status and report changes.
Support patient education and discharge instructions under RN guidance. Telemetry LPN: Record and report cardiac telemetry readings (but do not interpret them). Monitor vital signs and provide basic care.
Administer medications and support patients with cardiac diagnoses. Report any changes in rhythm or condition to the RN or provider. Dialysis LPN: Take vital signs and prepare the patient for treatment.
Monitor patients during dialysis and report any concerns. Provide comfort and reinforce post-treatment instructions. Support patient mobility and hygiene.
Cath Lab LPN: Prepare patient for procedure (vitals, consent form verification). Start IVs (if trained and permitted), administer oral pre-meds. Monitor patient post-procedure, check dressing sites, and assist with discharge.
Provide patient education under RN guidance. Performs other duties as assigned. Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards. Qualifications 0-1 years of experience as an LPN in a healthcare setting required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong knowledge of nursing principles, medication administration, and patient care practices. Proficiency in patient assessment, monitoring, and documentation.
Excellent communication skills for interactions with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities. Knowledge of safety protocols, infection control measures, and regulatory requirements.
Adaptability to changes in patient care needs and healthcare practices. Licenses and Certifications LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - State Licensure required or LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse required BCLS - Basic Life Support required ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred State Specific Requirements Alabama: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required. Florida: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. Georgia: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications within 90 days of employment required.
Indiana: CPR certification within 90 days of employment required. Mississippi: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. STABLE certification required within 6 months of employment.
New Mexico: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale certification required. STABLE certification required within 6 months of employment.
North Carolina: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. Oklahoma: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. Pennsylvania: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required.