About the LPN Role

The role of the LPN in various health care settings has evolved over the years along with LPN education. The role in Long Term Care has provided hours of competent patient care under the direction of a Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of Nursing who traditionally are registered nurses. The LPN is usually assigned a specific number of patients to render care to following physician orders, nursing orders as well as oversee the personal care needs of the patient or resident by working closely with certified nursing assistants and allied health professionals, i.e. physical therapy, respiratory therapy and activity or recreational therapy to name a few.

However, medication administration is a primary responsibility of the LPN, with

attention given to the efficacy of the drugs and side effects. Nursing notes, nursing care plan updates and nursing summaries that describe the daily and or monthly health status of the patient or resident are standard duties of the LPN in Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Centers throughout the United States. Each state has a specific licensed practical/vocational nurse practice act that defines the duties of the LPN. The scope of practice is directly related to the education and skilled competencies taught during the educational phase of training prior to taking the State Broad of Nursing Examination for licensure.