In an age of medical innovation comes a steadily rising aging population that requires care they can no longer provide themselves. So, if you’re someone who loves helping others, especially seniors, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) could be the perfect job for you. Not only are LPNs in high demand, but the difference they make in others’ lives is immeasurable.
Choosing a career as an LPN is a great option for those passionate about helping others, especially the elderly. LPNs are often the bridge between Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), handling more responsibilities than CNAs while working under the supervision of RNs. LPNs also act as liaisons between their patients and their larger care team, communicating patients’ needs and ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.
There’s a strong demand for LPNs in nursing homes, meaning job security is high. And the best part? LPNs working in nursing homes have the unique ability to form bonds with their patients. Unlike the hustle of a hospital setting, long-term care settings allow LPNs to work with the same patients on a regular basis. They can get to know the patients’ cases, needs, and preferences. As such, the interaction with patients and families in long-term care settings can be incredibly rewarding. Being there for your patients as the support system they need in this stressful time creates bonds that make all the difference in both your and their lives.
The benefits of working as a long-term care LPN are clear. But what exactly can you expect in this career path? We unpack the LPN duties in long-term care settings (like nursing homes!) and more below.
What is an LPN?
An LPN is a healthcare professional who’s completed a practical nursing program and passed the NCLEX-PN exam to earn their license. They provide basic nursing care and work with other medical staff to ensure patients get fundamental, quality nursing care. While LPNs work under the direction of RNs, they still have a lot of autonomy compared to CNAs.
An LPN’s working environments often include hospitals, clinics, or even a patient’s home. Arguably, though, their presence is most needed in nursing homes and similar long-term care settings, where their specific skill set is indispensable to the daily care of residents.
To become an LPN, postsecondary education is required. Learn about our LPN certificate program today!
What do LPNs do in nursing homes?
So, what do LPNs do in nursing homes? Well, they’re only the most crucial part of staff in a nursing home.
Because nursing homes face unique challenges, like consistent care for chronic conditions, LPN duties in long-term care are absolutely necessary. These nurses are often the most common point of contact for residents and families, making them the center of the support system when providing healthcare.
Common duties of LPNs in nursing homes
- Basic patient care. LPNs handle everything from giving medications and checking vital signs to helping residents with hygiene and mobility. They’re also there to ensure residents get proper nutrition and hydration.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals. LPNs work alongside RNs and supervise CNAs to ensure all residents receive the care they need. While they operate under RN supervision, LPNs are trusted with many important tasks.
- Emotional support. Elderly residents often need more than just physical care—they need emotional support, too. LPNs become a friendly, comforting presence, especially during difficult times.
- Patient-family communication. LPNs frequently update families on their loved one’s health and care plans. Building trust and maintaining clear communication are important parts of the job, as an LPN must ensure their patients understand what is going on.
The importance of LPNs in nursing homes
Staff shortages are becoming increasingly common in nursing homes, so LPNs are heavily relied upon. The complexity of elderly care, which often involves managing multiple chronic conditions, means that LPNs are always in high demand. LPNs are one of the most important staff members as they take on the role of primary caretakers to residents.
LPN duties in long-term care
- Administering medications and treatments. LPNs handle the distribution of medications and ensure that each resident follows their prescribed treatment plan.
- Monitoring health. LPNs check in on residents regularly, ensuring any changes in their health are quickly addressed.
- Responding to emergencies. LPNs are trained to act quickly in emergencies, such as sudden health changes or accidents.
- Supervising CNAs. In many nursing homes, LPNs oversee the work of CNAs and other aides.
Long-term care beyond nursing homes
While LPNs are a key part of nursing home teams, long-term care isn’t limited to just nursing home facilities. Assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers often need care for residents requiring ongoing support. And sometimes, patients are well enough to stay in their homes but still need medical care. This is where LPNs step in.
Other long-term care settings where you can find LPNs include:
- Assisted living facilities. These facilities offer a middle ground between independent living and full-time nursing care. Here, LPNs assist residents who need help with their daily needs but may not require the level of intensive care found in nursing homes.
- Home healthcare. For patients who want to stay in the comfort of their own homes while managing a chronic illness or recovering from an injury, LPNs step in to offer long-term care. In this role, they help with everything from medication management to wound care while keeping an eye on the patient’s overall health.
- Rehabilitation centers. LPNs also work in rehab centers, where patients are recovering from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses. Patients with these conditions may need extended care to regain motor functions or other health conditions due to this. This is where LPNs jump in to provide care. They usually assist with pain management and help patients stick to their physical therapy plans. Once patients are well enough to be discharged, LPNs provide education on caring for themselves outside the facilities.
In all these settings, LPNs perform similar tasks to what they do in nursing homes—monitoring health, administering medications, and offering emotional support—but they adapt their roles based on the needs of each environment. This gives LPNs the flexibility to work in various settings while still providing essential long-term care.
Benefits of becoming an LPN in long-term care
The benefits of becoming an LPN are innumerable. One of the biggest benefits is job security—LPNs are in high demand, particularly in nursing homes, where the growing elderly population means long-term care facilities are always seeking skilled staff. This demand translates to consistent job opportunities and a stable career path.
Beyond job security, there’s the emotional satisfaction that comes from making a real impact in the lives of residents. As an LPN, you create bonds with patients by creating the care and support system they need to feel safe and secure in such a challenging time.
Career growth is another great benefit. LPNs can take on supervisory roles within nursing homes or other facilities they work at. Better yet, if nursing is the perfect path, you can pursue further education to become a registered nurse (RN).
Taking the next step
LPNs are an invaluable part of the healthcare system. LPN duties in long-term care keep society running—offering the community assurance that we will be cared for if/when we can no longer care for ourselves.