Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description

What is the job description of a Licensed Practical Nurse? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Licensed Practical Nurse? What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?

Job description of a Licensed Practical Nurse

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a medical professional who provides skilled nursing care. A Licensed Practical Nurse performs  professional administrative and clinical duties including but not limited to care, treatment, documentation, education and medication administration under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

This Licensed Practical Nurse job description example includes the list of most important Licensed Practical Nurse duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Licensed Practical Nurse profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Licensed Practical Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Licensed Practical Nurse job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Coordinate and oversee all aspects of nursing activities for assigned patients, including admission, treatment planning, ongoing case management during treatment stay and discharge planning
  • Taking medical histories and entering information into computer systems
  • Contributes to the assessment of patients by collecting data for analysis 
  • Assess patients under treatment and observe their progress
  • Monitor patients’ condition and provide medical care
  • Keep patient records updated and in check
  • Provide patients and their families with emotional and psychological support 
  • Provide support and advice to patients’ family and friends
  • Provide assistance to patients in daily activities such as eating, bathing etc.
  • Administer prescribed medications
  • Respond to emergency medical situations in an urgent manner and perform on the spot emergency assistance which may include first aid and/or CPR

Licensed Practical Nurse Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Licensed Practical Nurse job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Nursing degree
  • Previous working experience as LPN for (x) year(s)
  • LPN license
  • Any additional certification will be considered an advantage
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
  • Compassionate and patient
  • Patient-oriented mindset
  • Hands on experience with health, safety and sanitation regulations
  • In-depth knowledge of medical and hospital procedures and terminology
  • Good physical stamina

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Licensed Practical Nurse starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Licensed Practical Nurse job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Licensed Practical Nurse may also reference it in preparation for the interview.