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A licensed practical nurse (LPN) assists in providing patient care services,
under the direction of a registered nurse and/or physician. LPNs are
responsible for assisting patients in daily living activities such as eating,
sitting, bathing, restroom functions, exercising, etc. A large part of an LPN?s
responsibility involves data collection and observation such as taking and
recording a patient?s temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate,
height and weight. Additional duties may include more advanced functions such as
dressing wounds, drawing blood samples, administering medications, monitoring IV
equipment, etc. LPNs play a major role in ensuring that patients are physically,
emotionally and spiritually comfortable. They must report any changes in a patient
immediately to the proper persons such as physicians, registered nurses, family
members, etc. Employment opportunities are broad and numerous and include
hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, government agencies, the armed forces, etc.
In terms of education, this position requires completion of a state approved
practical nursing program. Practical nursing educational programs can last
anywhere between 7 and 24 months. After completion of schooling, all practical
nurses must be licensed through a state board of nursing. In order to meet
licensure requirements, individuals must pass a national examination (NCLEX-PN)
that is administered by each state board. To learn more about licensure in the state
of Ohio, visit the State
of Ohio Board of Nursing. Please use the links provided below to learn more about
specific educational programs pertaining to this field.
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