Lpn & Cna skills

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Feb 10, 2014

An LPN/LVN is taught nursing skills, because they are an actual nurse.

loriangel14, RN · Feb 10, 2014

I thnik you need to research the role of the LPN.They are nurses.

sueall · Feb 10, 2014

You will cover a CNA skill set -- then you'll move on to Week Two of nursing school.

Trishrpn80 · Feb 10, 2014

LPNs are nurses so they are taught nursing skills. Do some research. Google is a great starting point

deetrain · Feb 10, 2014

I never said lpn aren't nurses. I just wanted to know what type of skills are taught in the lpn program.

loriangel14, RN · Feb 10, 2014

I never said lpn aren't nurses. I just wanted to know what type of skills are taught in the lpn program.

Then why did you think they were taught the same skills as a CNA?

deetrain · Feb 10, 2014

As a former (ASN) nursing student, there were a few CNA skills I had to learn. I think it would make sense to have the skills overlap b/w RN, LPN,C.N.A. How can you be a good nurse if you don't know basic nursing skills???

loriangel14, RN · Feb 10, 2014

Yes they overlap but LPN learn at lot more than just CNA skills. RNs learn the same skills as well. Although you wouldn't believe how many nursing students think that CNA skills are beneath them.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2014

To answer the question, LPNs learn skills such as:

1. injections

2. urinary catheter insertion and care

3. ostomy bag application and care

4. patient assessments

5. data collection

6. charting / documentation

7. vital sign checks

8. medication administration (oral, topical, ophthalmic, etc.)

9. wound care / dressing changes

10. management of splints, casts, halos, slings

11. application of therapeutic heat and ice

12. removal of sutures and surgical staples

13. specimen collection

14. therapeutic communication

15. reporting changes in condition

16. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

17. tracheostomy care

18. oxygen therapy / respiratory therapy

19. basic first aid

20. pain management

. . .And much, much more.

As an RN who worked as an LPN/LVN for several years, I think some people took offense that you asked if the skills learned in an LPN program are similar to what CNAs do. LPNs are licensed nurses who perform licensed nursing duties.

What type of skills are taught in the LPN program? Are the skills similar to what a CNA do?

deetrain · Feb 10, 2014

Oh I see, thx Thecommuter.

HappyWife77, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2014

CNA skills would include:

Learning the different positions, what activites can be done in each positions (example: fowlers for eating, semi-fowlers for reading and watching tv), showering patients and also performing skin checks to look for redness or breakdown along pressure points and friction areas, perineal care, back rubs, repositioning, placing someone on and off of bedpan or bedside commode, emptying a urinary drainage bag, recording I&O, feeding, vital signs, bed baths, shaving, dressing individuals with an affected side of their body ( usually after a stroke) tranfers using gait belts, what to do initially if someone falls, faints or has a seizure also the priorities to address for fires. Proper handwashing, linen placement, how to enter a room ( knock always, introduce yourself and identify the patient explain what you are going to do)and how to leave a room (gather your supplies and equipment, lower bed, make sure call light is within reach, bed lowest position, side rails up if used, water and table with in reach ,wash your hands, thank them....etc.)

CNAs also learn their scope, what they can do and what they can not do, and what things need to be reported to the nurses. The nurses would be the LPN and RN.

Hope this all helps.