LPN Programs: Functions And Roles Of A Vocational Nurse You Need To Know

LPN or Licensed practical nurses also known as vocational nurses are licensed health care professionals who are assigned for close patient care

. Licensed practical nurses are inferior to registered nurses but hold an almost similar qualification like that of registered nurses. Basically in the line of authority, registered nurses are of highest qualifications next are the practical or vocational nurses next to them are the assistant nurses and last are the orderlies. All work together to bring comfort and good health to patients.

Your function and role as an LPN depends on the setting where you are currently in. Basically, you can be considered an assistant to the registered nurse during your first years and as you grow and muster your experiences, you can be considered equal to the registered nurse. You can then function as a manager who facilitates and handles a group of nurse assistants and orderlies.

Other functions of a vocational nurse you need to know:

Assistive Health Care Function As a vocational nurse, one of your main function is to assist your health care team in patient care. To assist your team means that you must be present during physical assessment, physical check-ups, laboratory specimen collections and study. You must be ready to render the service needed from you by physicians and registered nurses. On the other hand, your assistance is needed by the patient as well when the patient needs to walk, take in medicine, change position, dressing and etc.

Supportive Health Care Function Similar to Assistive function but is more of an interaction between you and the patient on a less physical area. While assistive function requires you as a vocational nurse to perform nursing tasks which involves touching and holding a patient supportive may mean emotional support. You can be present during laboratory examinations and physical check ups to provide a comfortable environment for the patient. To lessen the patient's anxiety during examinations and prior or after procedures indicates supportive health care function.

Patient Assessment As indicated and taught in LPN Programs, your function as a practical nurse is to perform basic tasks required in the health care settings. Instead of the registered nurse, you will be responsible in reviewing the vital signs of a patient within your shift. You are also responsible to report any untoward signs to the registered nurse or doctor.

Direct Bedside Care Direct bedside care is also one of your responsibilities as a practical nurse. You are responsible for the over all comfort of your patient. You must be aware of the things and factors that make the patient uncomfortable and comfortable. It is your goal to keep the patient at ease. This function includes administering medicines, enemas and regulating IVF (intravenous Fluids), and sometimes even bed making.

Clerical Functions Part of your role and function is documentations. You need to document the status and progress of the patient under your care. You are responsible to keep a record of how the patient is doing.

Management And Supervisory Roles If you are already an experienced vocational nurse, you may function as a registered nurse once in a while. You can be given a task to organize, schedule and even plan with the health care team on how you are going to handle assistant nurses and orderlies. This function is also taught and briefed to you in your LPN Programs.

LPN Programs: Functions And Roles Of A Vocational Nurse You Need To Know

By: Pieter West

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