Where Trained Practical Nurses Work
March 31, 2009
•Brian Brooks
•SBC-St-Peters
• 0 Comments
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses and play a very important role in today's healthcare system. While responsibilities do vary from state to state and are dependant upon the needs of the facility, practical nursing tasks are very similar to nurse practitioner responsibilities. Some of theses responsibilities are:
- Providing basic bedside care
- Taking patient vital signs and other measurements
- Updating medical records
- Assisting nursing assistants
- Collecting samples
- And more
Practical nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses and are counted on everyday to assist medical staffing and increase the comfort of patients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most practical nurses are generalists and work in all areas of health care. However, some work in a specialized setting, such as a nursing home, a doctor's office, or in home health care. Practical nurses in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents' needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. They often provide for the unique healthcare needs of the elderly or aging generation.
In doctors' and physicians' offices and clinics, they may be responsible for making appointments, keeping records, and performing other clerical duties. Again these duties are supervised by registered nurses and help to ensure the office runs smoothly.
Practical nurses also work in home health care. They provide a variety of tasks for sick, injured or people with disabilities in a domestic setting. Practical nurses who work in home health care may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks amongst other tasks.
Most practical nurses work in hospitals and healthcare facilities but the demand for more professionals with practical nursing is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, practical nursing job opportunities are expected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations, in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general increase in demand for health care services. Job opportunities are expected to be more competitive in hospitals than in other health facilities.
Regardless of the area you want to target, training is essential. Practical nursing courses train emerging professionals with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in this popular field. Training is essential when working with ill or injured patients. Medical staffs rely on practical nurses and their training everyday. Practical nursing courses are available throughout the nation. To learn more about how practical nursing courses and a practical nursing diploma can help you pursue a new career, click here. To find practical nursing classes in the St. Peters area, click here.
Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is close to many locations:
Cottleville, MO - approximately 4.0 miles
O' Fallon, MO - approximately 4.9 miles
St. Charles, MO - approximately 10.0 miles
St. Paul, MO - approximately 7.7 miles
Source
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, 2008-09 Edition, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm (visited
January 31, 2009).