If you’ve got a compassionate demeanor and a good tolerance for stress, a job as an LPN could be right for you
Education Requirements:
Unlike other nursing jobs, an LPN does not need a bachelor's degree or higher to practice. However, formal training is still required. While in high school, it is a good idea to take science, math and English courses. Some high schools offer nurse assistance training programs.
To become an LPN, you must complete a state-approved program at a two-year technical college or other approved private training school. You will need a high school diploma to enroll. LPN training programs usually take about a year and include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Classes cover subjects like: anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing and first aid.
Next, you must pass a licensing exam before you can practice. The National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a written test.
Job Tasks:
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Provide medical treatment to patients, such as bandaging wounds or giving medications
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Measure and record patients’ vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressures, pulse or respiration
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Assemble and use tracheotomy tubes, catheters, and other equipment
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Work as part of a healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care and implement interventions
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Monitor patients’ conditions and report any changes
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Collect samples and perform routine lab tests
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Record food and fluid intake and output
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Supervise nursing assistants and aides
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Answer patient calls and determine how to assist them
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Help patients bathe, dress, eat, or walk
Skills and Abilities Needed to Perform Job:
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Medicine – Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities.
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Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
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Psychology – Knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability, personality, and interests.
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Therapy and Counseling – Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions and for career counseling and guidance.
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Knowledge and use of medical software (Epic, MEDITECH, PointClickCare, Telephone triage.
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Knowledge and use of Microsoft software programs (Power Point, Excel, Word and Office).
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Knowledge and use of Diagnostic and procedural coding software
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Oral Comprehension – Ability to listen to and understand information presented through spoken words.
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Oral Expression – Ability to communicate information in speaking so that others will understand.
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Written Comprehension – Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Problem Sensitivity –Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
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Speech Clarity – Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Speech Recognition – Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Information Ordering – Ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules.
Desired Work Style Attributes:
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Attention to details
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Dependability – Reliable and responsible
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Integrity – Honest and ethical
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Self-Control – Maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check
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Stress Tolerance – Accepting criticism and dealing calmly in stressful situations
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Concern for Others – Sensitive to needs of others
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Cooperation – Pleasant with others
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Adaptability/Flexibility – Open to Change (positive or negative)
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Initiative – Willingness to assume responsibilities and challenges
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Social Orientation – Preferring to work with others rather than alone
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Analytical Thinking – Analyzing a variety of information to solve problems