What Do LPNs Do?

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Kayti Brosnan. I'm a Registered Nurse here in Austin, Texas. And I'm going to tell you what an LPN does. It's good to know that an LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse. Or in the state of California and Texas they call them LVN. Which is a Licensed Vocational Nurse. An LPN is a hospital setting is doing a lot of things similar to a Registered Nurse. But they're doing them under the supervision or delegation of either the Charge Nurse or another RN. They're accessing, reporting, recording and monitoring vital signs and urine output. Reactions to medications. They're doing all the daily care that Registered Nurses do. Basic wound care, activities of daily living. They're also administering medications. But this where it's a little tricky. and it's state regulated by the Board of Nursing. To the limitations of what LPNs can administer. Whether it's PO or IV medication. LPNs also help maintain a comfortable, safe and clean atmosphere for the patients. They're responding to emergencies. And where they're certified, they're going to, they're going to assist in those emergencies. It's important to remember that LPNs and LVNs are also nurses. And not just because they have state regulated limitations. Doesn't mean that they're not an important part of the hospital setting. And some of the best wisest and best nurses I've worked alongside. Have been LVNs. And that's what an LPN does."