Mad Props to LPNs!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Licensed Practical Nurses provide the most amount of direct patient care within the nursing category of healthcare. If you're interested in a healthcare career dealing directly with patients, becoming an LPN is a rewarding opportunity.

Read the rest here (it's not very long): http://www.realnurse.net/articles/lpn-career.shtml

BTW, I like how the author portrays LPNs in a positive light. ;)

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

The author does portray LPN's in a positive light, but I didn't like the job description. LPN's can and do so much more!

LPN Job Description

Typically, a LPN's work duties include:


  • Taking vital signs
  • Preparing and administering injections and enemas
  • Applying dressings and bandages
  • Watching catheters
  • Treating bedsores
  • Providing alcohol massages or rubs
  • Monitoring patients and reporting changes
  • Collecting samples for testing
  • Provide patient hygiene
  • Feeding patients
  • Monitoring food and liquid input/output

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
The author does portray LPN's in a positive light, but I didn't like the job description. LPN's can and do so much more!
So very true.
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Thecommuter is correct, we can and do, do a whole lot more!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
The author does portray LPN's in a positive light, but I didn't like the job description. LPN's can and do so much more!

LPN Job Description

Typically, a LPN's work duties include:


  • Taking vital signs
  • Preparing and administering injections and enemas
  • Applying dressings and bandages
  • Watching catheters
  • Treating bedsores
  • Providing alcohol massages or rubs
  • Monitoring patients and reporting changes
  • Collecting samples for testing
  • Provide patient hygiene
  • Feeding patients
  • Monitoring food and liquid input/output

I agree, half those duties are CNA duties.

I didn't know LPNs gave alcohol massages or rubs??? Is this common??? :lol2:

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Alcohol rubs/massages???? Never even heard of them performed in my part of the world!

Where's the info on performing dialysis, cast application & removal, public health vaccinations, the list could go on and on....

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It was common for LPNs/LVNs to administer back rubs and massages in the past to supposedly promote 'caring'. However, we have gotten far away from doing back rubs these days.

During my nursing school clinical rotations the instructor made us all give back rubs to our patients. The patients loved it, especially the geriatric folks.

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You know, whenever I have a grumpy patient, or one who has been in the hospital a while (our pt turn over time is something like 1.6 days), I always offer a back rub. Nothing melts away dissatisfaction with the nursing staff, schedules, hospital, or their general situation like a 3 minute back rub. The little old ladies just about die of happiness, the grumpy old men suddenly become charming and polite, and the patient threatening a lawsuit begins to rave about what a great nurse you are.

Also, so much of our touch is with gloves; I think people don't get enough warm, direct physical contact. Unless there is some sort of contraindication of direct touch, I always perform the backrub without gloves. AND I warm up the lotion. You'd think I was performing a miracle when I do this.

Just my little tip of the day....;)

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