Common Responsibilities of LPNs and LVNs

If you have been exploring LPN or LVN careers, you may have heard that these are exciting professions that offer a vast array of emotional benefits. However, do you know exactly just what an LPN or LVN is responsible for doing during his or her work day? Although the tasks you will need to undertake as a licensed practical or vocational nurse may vary, some common duties you will likely be responsible for are described below.

Medical-Related Responsibilities

While working as a licensed practical or vocational nurse, you will spend much of your day performing medical-related tasks. These tasks can vary significantly depending on your place of employment and each patient's individual needs. Nevertheless, some of the most common medical-related responsibilities of LPNs and LVNs are as follows:

Taking and Recording Patients' Vital Signs
Administering Medication and Immunizations
Cleaning and Bandaging Wounds
Changing Dressings
Placing IVs and Catheters
Monitoring Food and Fluid Intake and Output
Reporting Patients' Reactions to Medication
Collecting Bodily Samples for Lab Analysis
Assisting Doctors During Medical Exams and Procedures

Personal Care-Related Tasks

In many cases, you will also be responsible for performing various personal care-related tasks as an LPN or LVN. This is especially true if you choose to work in a geriatric, rehabilitative, or hospice care work setting. Although these tasks may vary as well, some common tasks in this category can be found listed below.

Transporting Patients to Various Parts of the Facility
Helping Patients to and from the Bathroom
Bathing Patients
Helping Patients with Bedpans and Urinals
Helping Patients Dress
Helping Patients Shave, Brush Their Teeth and Comb Their Hair
Feeding Patients
Providing Emotional Support to Patients and Their Families

Clerical-Related Duties

Finally, in many cases, you may need to perform a variety of clerical-related duties while working as an LPN or LVN. Again, these tasks may differ depending on the facility where you work. However, some of the most common clerical-related tasks that are often performed by licensed practical and vocational nurses include: