LPN Duties

tmoorelpn · Feb 19, 2004

I worked as a CNA while going to school so really nothing is shocking or disgusting to me anymore. I'm immune to just about anything anyone can dish out. My unit has 43 residents and I am responsible for half of them. I basically do my assessments, I pass my meds, answer calls from doctors, I occassionally have to give a suppository, on a very rare occassion do I have to give an enema and it's really not that bad. It might be if you're not used to dealing with BM, and all that nasty stuff. It's not fun though. Most of my time is spent sorting out arguments amongst the CNAs that's almost a full time job:stone I do treatments and a whole lot of documentation. I have to chart my little heart out for about 3 hours of my day. There isn't a whole lot of down time. But I like my job and it's never boring, I learn a lot from the more experienced nurses that I work with. I don't have any regrets. It just takes a certain person to do that job that we do, it's not for everybody.

Help me please! I am fearing the duties of an LPN. My sister called me this morning and said that I really should rethink my choice because most of my work will be giving enema's. Is this true of LPN work ...are there an abundance of choices? I have noticed that most LPN positions are in nursing homes. Could someone describe their day?

Jayonoway · Feb 19, 2004

I currently work as a per diem Home Health nurse. No enemas here! I am basically my own boss, work my own hours and make great pay! And a lot less paperwork as a LPN vice RN working home health! It's all in the job you take! Good Luck!

sblpnstudent · Nov 13, 2005

I worked as a CNA while going to school so really nothing is shocking or disgusting to me anymore. I'm immune to just about anything anyone can dish out. My unit has 43 residents and I am responsible for half of them. I basically do my assessments, I pass my meds, answer calls from doctors, I occassionally have to give a suppository, on a very rare occassion do I have to give an enema and it's really not that bad. It might be if you're not used to dealing with BM, and all that nasty stuff. It's not fun though. Most of my time is spent sorting out arguments amongst the CNAs that's almost a full time job:stone I do treatments and a whole lot of documentation. I have to chart my little heart out for about 3 hours of my day. There isn't a whole lot of down time. But I like my job and it's never boring, I learn a lot from the more experienced nurses that I work with. I don't have any regrets. It just takes a certain person to do that job that we do, it's not for everybody.

I am thinking about becoming an lpn. i dont know if i can handle the bm and all the other stuff. i really want to pursue my goal to be an lpn but i just hope i like it. i have never worked as a cna or anything nurse related. i want to be a rn but do the lpn first to make sure this is what i want to do. i need some advice.

confusedshoes · May 3, 2009

Hi I can relate with "colormyworld" in a way. I have been in and out with making this decision to be in the LPN program since last year, it has cost me a lot in loans, etc. since I was actually in one already (LPN access) which was online for the first 6 mos. and we (8 of us) ended up quitting after the first sem. because we had to move and live in another city away from home for the next 6 mos. of practical plus theory. We heard of stories about the previous batch having a hard time so we opted to find a school nearby so we could still be with our families and the stress of schoolwork would seem to be more bearable. I am 45 soon to be 46. Background was in business. Worked in office settings most of the time. Also took the CNA course around 2002, never really got to practice it except for 2 nights of graveyard shifts and gave up after I was told to help with cleaning up a patient who just expired.

I would be so determined at some point to make a go of it probably because of the compensation $$ part (although I am quite strong on the empathy and compassion part) and at other times, I would be so sure I just don't fit in due to lack of confidence and believing I don't have the qualities of a leader. The idea of talking to a family about a family member who has expired gives me the chills and so does the educating part.

I was offered a seat by this community college (a privilege among my peers who can't get in due to the requirements for English) a couple of times already and I am either not available and enjoying a clerical job or I don't get the support I need to make a go of it from my husband. Still, I didn't give up totally, and renewed my application. Now, I get another letter again today offering me the seat for Sept.09. I have to make up my mind before May 19th when the first payment is due. Right now, I am not working. I have just finished the Sterile Processing course which isn't really my cup of tea, pays well, too but there aren't many jobs out there, competition is stiff, the most one could get is a few hours a week. I'm still awaiting calls for interviews for a clerical job. Am considering fostering kids if I don't make it to this LPN program. I'm old and the decision-making alone is wearing me out already.

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · May 5, 2009

It really does depend on where you work. As an LPN in LTC I've given very few enemas. I've worked almost exclusively charge for the last 10 years and have had lots of varied experiences. It just depends on your facility.

sunray12 · May 5, 2009

colormyworld began this thread over five years ago. I wonder if she went to PN school? I can understand how enemas would come up sometimes during the course of LPN work, but I can't imagine what type of facility this was where the only thing LPN's did was give enemas.

ANurseWannaB · Sep 10, 2009

I'm with ConfusedShoes on this one. I'm 43 years old now and I'm worn out going back and forth trying to decide on LPN or RN. With Allied Med and Tech Institute, it will be cheaper and a seat is practically assured for me. No NET required, but there is a HEFFA test to take. LPN duties, one would think, are less responsibility than an RN has and would have more patient contact--just my thoughts, but not for sure. Now trying to get into PSU or Broome College might prove to be more challenging for me plus a few extra general classes. I've already completed a year of generals at Luzerne College with a 4.0 GPA. I've ducked out of Luzerne--Elk Lake branch, even before getting accepted into their nursing program. It was a pretty sure bet for acceptance with me, but I had heard too many horror stories--a 75% fail-out rate.

I don't even know if nursing is right for me, let alone which part--LPN or RN. I feel more like a follower than a leader most of the time--at least away from home, lol. I'm just not sure I am confident enough. I am compassionate and smart though. I know that I love anything medical related and really do love taking care of sick people. They are less likely to judge you than well people--just my thoughts. I'm terrified of messing up on the job in this field--it's costly to the patients and to me.

So! Here I am with an appt. for Allied on Tuesday. They will probably try their best to persuade me in.

I'm also asking PSU Worthington Scranton loads of questions--I like that there isn't any NET required. I've even looked up Broome College. I'm just so confused. My husband is tired of all my circles; I am tired of it too.

Thanks for listening, people. Any advice is appreciated.

FLg8r · Sep 11, 2009

hi i can relate with "colormyworld" in a way. i have been in and out with making this decision to be in the lpn program since last year, it has cost me a lot in loans, etc. since i was actually in one already (lpn access) which was online for the first 6 mos. and we (8 of us) ended up quitting after the first sem. because we had to move and live in another city away from home for the next 6 mos. of practical plus theory. we heard of stories about the previous batch having a hard time so we opted to find a school nearby so we could still be with our families and the stress of schoolwork would seem to be more bearable. i am 45 soon to be 46. background was in business. worked in office settings most of the time. also took the cna course around 2002, never really got to practice it except for 2 nights of graveyard shifts and gave up after i was told to help with cleaning up a patient who just expired.
i would be so determined at some point to make a go of it probably because of the compensation $$ part (although i am quite strong on the empathy and compassion part) and at other times, i would be so sure i just don't fit in due to lack of confidence and believing i don't have the qualities of a leader. the idea of talking to a family about a family member who has expired gives me the chills and so does the educating part.
i was offered a seat by this community college (a privilege among my peers who can't get in due to the requirements for english) a couple of times already and i am either not available and enjoying a clerical job or i don't get the support i need to make a go of it from my husband. still, i didn't give up totally, and renewed my application. now, i get another letter again today offering me the seat for sept.09. i have to make up my mind before may 19th when the first payment is due. right now, i am not working. i have just finished the sterile processing course which isn't really my cup of tea, pays well, too but there aren't many jobs out there, competition is stiff, the most one could get is a few hours a week. i'm still awaiting calls for interviews for a clerical job. am considering fostering kids if i don't make it to this lpn program. i'm old and the decision-making alone is wearing me out already.

well, i'm 46 .... when did that come to mean you are old? lol really, age is just a number .... i just became a cna yesterday! start lpn school this october ....plan on bridging to rn after that and then complete my bsn .... it's my dream, my goal and no matter how old i am when all is said and done -- i will have shown my son that you should always follow your dreams ....and follow your heart. if you think you are old, you will act like you are old .... be more optimistic and keep following your dreams ..... they told me i couldn't be a cop too back in the 80's because "women weren't supposed to be cops" or the old, "you can't be a cop ... you'll be taking away a job for a man trying to support his family." i could go on with more, but you get my drift ... point is, i let those words in my head throughout the 80's and in the mid 90's i went for it .... excelled at the police academy -- and i was the oldest (woman0 in the class .... i was in a class with about 25 young men in their early to mid 20's and 2 other women in their mid 20's. so i am living proof, where there is a will, there is a way :wink2:

SamiRN · Sep 12, 2009

I work agnecy and LTC. When I do agency I am on Med surg units, community nursing,flu clinics,Dr offices etc. My day changes constantly. When I work long term care I do everything but mostly med pass. Long term care is difficult. you have 20-30 patients and sometimes the med pass is almost impossible. you learn real nursing as opposed to book nursing. Its a difficult job...but if everyone could do it....everyone would...we do it...cuz we can.