A Licensed Practical Nurse, or also known as LPN, is needed when it comes to the home health care industry. There is a big need for these types of nurses to help elderly people who require skilled nurses to take care of them in their homes. Because of the need, if you are an LPN thinking of a career change, here is a day in the life of a Licensed Practical Nurse working in-home health care.
What is an LPN?
An LPN works in conjunction with RN’s. They work with sick and injured patients. There are a few duties that they are responsible for that are different than an RN or a CNA. A lot of their responsibilities do mirror an RN, but there are a few differences. Here are a few of their responsibilities:
- Montering basic patient health, for example, vital signs, and overall condition.
- Changing dressing, inserting catheters.lpn
- Taking patient’s health histories and maintaining their documentation.
- Assisting with tests and procedures.
- Providing personal care, for example, bathing and dressing.
- Consulting with RN’s on care plans.
Of course, the duties of an LPN do vary depending on the employer but usually include the above responsibilities.
Where do LPN’s Work
LPN’s have the same luxury of working in many different locations just like RN’s. Here are a few:
- Nursing homes: LPN’s are in charge of the day to day care of nursing home residents; this includes, bathing, medication administration, bathing, dressing, feeding, and watching overall health changes in patients.
- Home Health Care: This is a very popular role for LPN’s. They are regularly needed when it comes to working inside of the home with different elders. Usually, they are directed under a physician or an RN. They provide bedside care to sick or injured.
- Travel: Any adventure-seeking LPN’s with a year of experience are much needed in the traveling medical industry. This allows LPN’s to work in different homes or hospitals. This helps with learning new skills and furthering education.
What do LPN’s do in Home Health Care
Well, there are a lot of things they do during the day at an elder’s home. Here are a few responsibilities that are done on the day to day basis of an LPN:
- Provide one on one skilled nursing care and treatment to patients in their homes.travel
- Using comprehensive and patient-specific care plans with innovative solutions.
- Spending quality time with the patient in their home to promote their health and independence.
- Collaborating with physicians, patients and families, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other members of the patient care team to provide treatment plans and specific care.
- Cooperatively utilize various solutions to educate and empower the patient’s independence.
- Assess, document, monitor, and report the progress of patient’s health and conditions using required documents, for example, clinical progress notes, and clinical-preferred technology.
Becoming an LPN
If this type of work interests you there are a few things that need to be done before jumping all in. To start, to receive your Licensed Practical Nursing diploma, there is a 12-month program to go through. This is much more appealing than becoming an RN. The RN programs are much more in-depth and a longer period of time of school time.
Most LPN’s can make, to start around $47,000 per year. Of course, RN’s do get paid more, but that is just the beginning. That is pretty good when just starting. It also depends on the agency you are working for and their pay rates, bonuses, and raises.
Within 12 months you could be putting on scrubs and working as an LPN. Just imagine, working with flexible, quality paying, friendly patients job where you can further your career without having to stop working and taking time for yourself to further your education. There are a lot of jobs out there that need LPN’s, especially the elders and their families at home.
Conclusion
LPN’s have much need in the home health care industry. Their expertise is needed to help families with their elders. Creating an environment of independence while being there if anything happens is anxiety-reducing for their families and their physicians. If you are thinking of working as in-home health care as an LPN, reach out to TLC Home Care. They have a knowledgeable staff, great assignments, and competitive pay. This can be your opportunity to further your career with an agency that has your back. Be sure to check them out to see if they are your next step in your nursing career.