Licensed Practical Nurses

Home healthcare LPNs provide at home nursing care for patients, often as follow-up care after discharge from a hospital or a rehabilitation, long term care, or skilled nursing facility.

LPNs care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and Registered Nurses.

LPNs care for patients in many ways.  They prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and provide skin care.  To help keep patients comfortable, they assist with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking.  They will also feed patients who need help eating.  Additionally, LPNs measure and record patients’ vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration.    

As part of their work, LPNs collect samples for testing and record food and fluid intake and output.  They clean and monitor medical equipment.  LPNs also monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments.  LPNs gather information from patients, including their health history and how they are currently feeling, and share this information with Registered Nurses and physicians to help determine the best course of care for a patient.  LPNs often teach family members how to care for a relative or teach patients about good health habits.