Introduction
A practical nurse, also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or vocational nurse (VN), plays a vital role in modern healthcare systems. They are responsible for providing basic care to patients and supporting doctors and registered nurses in various healthcare settings. In this article, we will explore the importance of practical nurses in healthcare systems, delve into a day in the life of a practical nurse and their job duties, how to get started in this in-demand career, the role of practical nurses in nursing homes, and the benefits of pursuing a career as a practical nurse.
The Importance of Practical Nurses in Modern Healthcare Systems
Practical nursing is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery worldwide. Nurse practitioners date back to ancient civilization times, but practical nursing emerged in the 1800s. The profession’s evolution and recent technological advancements have demanded practical nurses to be highly skilled and knowledgeable in patient care.
Practical nurses are essential associates of doctors and registered nurses as they play different vital roles in healthcare delivery. The nurses work at a lower care level than registered nurses but handle more complex procedures than nurse assistants. The primary role of practical nurses is to support patients by carrying out duties such as drawing blood, supervising feeding, administering medication, wound care, monitoring vital signs and supporting physical therapy sessions, among others.
Practical nurses also maintain patient records, assist with clinical procedures, and educate patients and their families on healthy living and prevention measures. Practical nursing is a field that is highly open to specialization as it provides career advancement opportunities.
A Day in the Life of a Practical Nurse: Job Duties and Responsibilities
A practical nurse’s day varies depending on their work environment, the number of patients they attend to, and their shift schedules. The general role of practical nurses is to provide basic patient care in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and physician offices, among others.
The duties and responsibilities of practical nurses primarily revolve around patient care. Typical duties include recording common vital signs (respiration, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and weight), dressing wounds, administering medication, monitoring patients’ health progress, bathing patients, providing emotional support and comfort to patients, and helping patients with mobility and range of motion exercises.
Practical nurses should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals. Other essential qualities include critical thinking, follow-through skills, physical fitness, and attention to detail. The job can be challenging, and it is essential to balance the demands of the profession and personal life.
Practical Nursing: How to Get Started in this In-Demand Career
If you are passionate about pursuing a career as a practical nurse, it’s essential to gain proper education and licensure. Typically, students pursue a one-year practical nursing diploma program in a technical or community college. In addition, some students combine general education coursework with the diploma requirements to pursue a two-year associate’s degree in nursing. It’s important to ensure that the nursing program is certified or accredited to be eligible for licensure exams.
Once an aspiring practical nurse completes the training program, they must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). The test measures competencies in four main areas of nursing: health promotions, psychological integrity, health maintenance, and psychosocial integrity. After receiving licensure, practical nurses may have varying title privileges. It is advisable to seek guidance from state regulatory boards to clarify these privileges.
There are many ways to advance your career as a practical nurse, starting with continuing education. Furthering your education opens doors to work in specialty and advanced practical nursing, leading to leadership and administrator roles. Furthering your education requirements may differ in different states and jurisdictions
Caring for Patients in a Nursing Home: A Practical Nurse’s Role
Nursing homes are elderly care centers that offer outpatient and inpatient care services. The places offer medical, personal care, and social services to patients’ and residents’ emotional, physical, and social needs. Nursing homes cater to patients who require long-term care, rehabilitation, specialized training, and treatment programs, among other services.
Practical nurses provide extensive care concerning patients in nursing homes. They frequently make rounds to check up on patients’ health statuses and needs, provide medication, manage patient care plans, and provide assistance with basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs).
Working in a nursing home can be challenging as some residents may become attached to their practical nurses, and staff must learn to handle patient’s emotional and psychological needs in addition to physical health requirements. It’s essential for practical nurses in nursing homes to build good relationships with patients and their families by communicating clearly, providing compassion and care, and maintaining privacy and dignity.
The Benefits of Pursuing a Career as a Practical Nurse
Practical nursing presents a fulfilling career path for people passionate about direct patient care. The career path presents several benefits such as:
- Wider Career Options: Practical nursing is a versatile career that presents many advancement opportunities and specializations such as geriatric, hospice, family practice, pediatrics, among other areas. The specialization options present career growth opportunities and valuable experience to professionals interested in continuing their education in the healthcare industry.
- Job Security and Growth: Practical nursing offers job stability as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise worldwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, practical nursing job growth is expected to rise by 9% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for other occupations.
- Opportunities to Help Others: Practical nursing provides many opportunities to help other people daily. Practical nurses learn to interact with people of varying life experiences through direct care and support. You can positively impact people’s lives by helping them improve their lives, their health, well-being, and achieve their goals.
- Competitive Salary: Practical nursing is an in-demand career that offers excellent earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for practical nurses in the United States is $48,820. The salary range usually varies based on experience, location, and healthcare setting.
- Personal and Professional Fulfillment: Practical nursing presents a rewarding career path that attracts individuals keen on making a difference in the lives of patients. The field offers a sense of purpose, personal fulfillment, and professional satisfaction as practical nurses help patients achieve their health and recovery goals.
Conclusion
Practical nurses are vital to modern healthcare systems and play a crucial role in delivering quality patient care. They work with varying patient populations and have diverse work environments, providing plenty of opportunities for those interested in pursuing the career path to harvest numerous benefits. This fulfilling career path offers both personal and professional growth opportunities, and it is worth exploring for individuals keen to make a difference in healthcare delivery systems.