Nursing is an exciting field that affords you the chance to make a difference in others’ lives. Every day, nurses can look forward to meeting new patients, handling new cases and challenges, and caring for many people in need. But because of the level of patient care involved, nurses (of all types!) must abide by certain, ethical and professional standards of practice. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are no exception to this rule.
Licensed Practical Nurses work closely with patients to provide them with basic comfort and care. LPNs often act as the liaison between patients and other medical staff, understanding and communicating patient needs as they arise. Sometimes, LPNs need to act swiftly and make decisions on their feet—and these choices are not always easy. For this reason, a Code of Ethics has been established for practical nurses to follow and adhere to during times of need.
Additionally, the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses has developed the Nurse Practice Standards for LPNs, providing LPNs with a benchmark and expectations for quality and ethical patient care.
Are you interested in becoming an LPN? Brush up on the LPN Code of Ethics and the LPN Practice Standards below!
What is the LPN Code of Ethics?
The LPN Code of Ethics is an informal title that refers to a set of provisions called The Code of Ethics for Nurses, established by the American Nurses Association (ANA). Commonly referred to as “The Code,” this document outlines important ethical standards for nurses of all types, including LPNs and Registered Nurses (RNs), too.
As explained by the ANA, The Code of Ethics for Nurses provides specific guidance for nursing practice and is highly useful for nurses faced with difficult decisions. While the document itself is continuously updated to reflect modern challenges in healthcare, The Code consists of nine provisions that are designed to:
- Formalize the ethical values, obligations, and duties of every nursing professional,
- Serve as the nursing industry’s non-negotiable ethical standards, and
- Express nurses’ understanding of commitment to society.
You can learn more about The Code of Ethics for Nurses here!
As an aspiring LPN, it is important to research the Code of Ethics and keep it in your knowledge bank. This will help to ensure you uphold the highest standards of care, respect for patients, and professional integrity in your role.
A breakdown of the LPN Code of Ethics
Different organizations might have a slightly different take on the ethical standards of LPNs, but based on the ANA’s Code of Ethics, LPNs should follow these general principles:
- Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and the quality of care provided.
- Advocacy: Advocate for the rights, needs, and best interests of your patients, ensuring they have access to proper information and care.
- Collaboration: Work effectively with healthcare teams and respect diverse perspectives.
- Competence: Maintain and enhance professional skills through lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
- Confidentiality: Protect patient privacy and confidential information.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Use ethical principles and critical thinking in decision-making.
- Fairness: Provide equitable care without discrimination.
- Integrity: Communicate honestly and avoid unethical behavior.
- Patient Care: Prioritize patient health, advocate for their needs, and provide holistic, compassionate care.
- Professionalism: Uphold the integrity of the nursing profession and maintain public trust.
- Respect: Treat all patients with dignity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
As an LPN, you should always adhere to these ethical standards—not only to maintain your licensure, but also to ensure your practice is safe, effective, and aligned with the core values of the nursing field.
What are the Standards of Practice for LPNs?
Another important resource for LPNs is the Nurse Practice Standards set forth by the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN). These standards are designed to set the caliber for LPNs, outlining expectations for professional conduct and the competencies required to provide safe and effective nursing care. These standards outline a framework for the delivery of patient care, ensuring that LPNs practice within their scope and maintain high levels of professionalism in all that they do.
As explained by the NALPN, the LPN Standards of Practice were created in 1961 and revised in 1979, with the goal of motivating LPNs to establish, maintain, and elevate their practice. Upon entering the profession, LPNs have the responsibility to adhere to these “standards of ethical practice and conduct.” Specifically, each LPN is expected to:
- Acknowledge, understand, and maximize their scope of practice as an LPN
- Accept the responsibility for safe nursing care by ensuring they stay mentally and physically capable of practicing safely
- Carry themselves in a clean and professional manner, including their appearance, language, dress, and demeanor
- Participate in and accept the NALPN’s Nurse Practice Standards, as well as deploy the strategies and policies within to ensure quality patient care
- Protect confidential information and patient data
- Provide healthcare to all patients, regardless of race, religion, cultural background, disease, or lifestyle choices
- Stay informed about contemporary issues affecting the healthcare system and practice of nursing
The NALPN Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses also outlines a number of educational, legal, ethical, and practical standards that LPNs must follow. These relate to the bullets above, but the full Nurse Practice Standards can be found by visiting NALPN here.
Why do LPNs need to follow a code of ethics and standards of practice?
As described early on, LPNs are valuable members of the healthcare field and are intricately involved in patient care. Patients rely on LPNs to feel comfortable, supported, and tended to during their time in a medical facility. With that in mind, LPNs must deliver very safe, competent, and ethical care. The LPN Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are designed with that purpose in mind. Here is a summary of reasons why these guidelines exist:
- They provide a framework or foundation for LPNs to base their practice and decision-making on, which is essential for any healthcare practitioner.
- They promote patient safety and ensure patients receive the highest quality of care.
- They help to establish trust and credibility within the nursing profession.
- They reflect LPNs’ commitment to society and to the field of nursing.
- They serve as leverage for evaluation and growth, meaning LPNs can be assessed on their adoption of the code, and promoted or developed as a result.
Becoming an ethical Licensed Practical Nurse
As described in the NALPN Education Standards, Licensed Practical Nurses must take a few steps to enter this field of work. Specifically, LPNs must:
- Complete an educational program approved by the state authority in practical nursing, and
- Successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination, earning licensure,
From there, LPNs can participate in various experiences and land successful careers providing patient care. Those who complete a state-approved LPN program, such as the one at Goodwin University, can rest assured they will be well-prepared for the field after graduation. Goodwin reinforces the ethical and responsible duties of nursing professionals, as well as prepares LPNs with the critical competencies needed in today’s competitive job market. From medical surgical training to mental health nursing, clinical nursing to pharmacology, the topics uncovered in our LPN program can help you become a well-rounded and essential member of a patient’s care team. Interested in learning more?