LVN Work | LPN Work | Licensed Vocational Nurse Job Description
Before Entering the field of medicine as an LPN/LVN it is important to understand the job in its entirety. LPN work is under the direct supervision of an RN or Physician. Their role in the medical field is to assist in the care of patients in critical care environments. An LVN’s first and most important job is being a patient
advocate. LPN work is the cornerstone of the patients care and is indispensable when treating patients. LVNs spend numerous hours making sure patients are cared for, their well being is monitored, and they are kept clean and safe while under the medical staffs supervision.
Often times in medical facilities it is simply not affordable, or practical to have a Physician or Registered Nurse at the patient’s bedside at all times. Patients in need of medical assistance often times need round the clock supervision. These patients often times suffer from dementia, are non-ambulatory, or simply altered or unconscious. LVN work requires maintaining the patients care while these other professionals are performing other tasks, making sure that the patient is cared for in every facet that a human being needs to be cared for.
These responsibilities include:
- Drawing labs, monitoring blood work and samples.
- Placing and monitoring Foley Catheters.
- Monitoring, cleaning and using gastric tubes.
- Monitoring vital signs such as, Respiratory rate and pulse ox, Blood Pressures, Pulse Rate, Blood Glucose Levels, and Level of consciousness.
- Turning the patient regularly in order to prevent bed sores, and ulcers.
- Maintaining the patient’s medication intake, providing all medications that are prescribed, and monitoring their effects.
- Cleaning the patient, bathing the patient, and assisting with any incontinence.
- Cleaning and monitoring medical equipment used in the patients care.
- Maintaining positive relationships with family members, keeping their loved ones informed of what exactly has been going on with the patient, and educating them on what kind of care they are needing and with possibly need in the future.
LVN work is often times done in Critical care nursing facilities, Elderly assisted living facilities, Hospitals and Surgical facilities, Physician offices, and in home private assisting. Find LVN training today.