Practical nurse

Practical Nurse

A Practical Nurse, also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the United States and Canada, or as a State Enrolled Nurse (SEN) in the United Kingdom, is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of Registered Nurses and doctors to provide basic medical and nursing care.

Education and Training

The education and training for Practical Nurses varies by country. In the United States and Canada, a Practical Nurse must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about one year. These programs include classroom instruction in subjects such as nursing, biology, and pharmacology, as well as supervised clinical experience. After completing the program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed.

In the United Kingdom, training to become a State Enrolled Nurse was a two-year program. However, this program was phased out in the 1990s and replaced with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registered nurse program.

Roles and Responsibilities

Practical Nurses provide a range of healthcare services, often under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or doctor. Their duties can include:

• Monitoring patients' health by taking vital signs and observing their behavior and physical condition
• Administering basic nursing care, such as changing bandages and inserting catheters
• Providing for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
• Discussing health care with patients and listening to their concerns
• Reporting patients' status to Registered Nurses and doctors
• Keeping records on patients' health

Employment

Practical Nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private homes. They may also work in community health and public health settings.

See Also

• Registered Nurse
• Nursing
• Healthcare professional