10 Different Healthcare Settings for LPNs
Review 10 different healthcare workplaces available to LPNs and examine their main responsibilities in each setting. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide fundamental nursing care across various settings. Typically operating under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or physician, they play a crucial role in aiding other medical professionals. While their duties may be somewhat limited, LPNs have a plethora of options that situate them in diverse medical contexts. This guide delves into 10 distinct healthcare settings accessible to LPNs and elucidates the tasks associated with their role in each environment.
Where Do LPNs Work?
LPNs have a multitude of work settings to choose from. Whether seeking a fast-paced or more relaxed environment, or specializing in a particular medical field, there are options tailored to personal skills and professional aspirations.
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The choice of setting can guide LPNs toward specialized roles, assist in preparation for RN licensure, or offer a fulfilling career experience. The following list provides an overview of potential workplaces for LPNs.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN)
1. Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities
Approximately 35% of LPNs work in nursing homes and residential care facilities, making these the most prevalent employers for this tier of nursing. Under the guidance of the head RN, LPNs oversee bedside care, involving aiding residents in their daily routines, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with everyday tasks.
More specifically, LPNs monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels. They may also be involved in tasks like inserting IVs, applying bandages, catheter insertion, and documenting changes in patient health. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) often collaborate with LPNs to manage some of their daily responsibilities.
2. Hospitals
Hospitals employ the next highest number of LPNs at 15%, as per data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). In larger hospitals, LPNs can explore various departments to identify their preferred specialization, whether inpatient or outpatient care, pediatrics, surgery, or other specialties. In this role, LPNs aid patients with daily activities like eating, sitting up, and grooming, while also supporting RNs and other healthcare providers. They may administer medications, insert catheters and intravenous lines, and provide patient education.
LPNs function within multidisciplinary teams and often receive mentorship from RNs. Many hospitals encourage investment in the development of their clinical staff, possibly assisting LPNs in pursuing further education to become RNs. However, the scope of practice for LPNs sometimes overlaps with that of certified nursing assistants.
3. Home Healthcare Services
The field of home healthcare is expanding, offering increased opportunities for home health nursing. This growth is driven by advancements in remote monitoring technology and the recognition that aging at home is more comfortable and cost-effective. Nearly as many LPNs (14%) work in home healthcare as those in hospitals.
LPNs execute care plans established by RNs. Their duties may encompass wound care, medication administration, patient and caregiver education on treatment, blood drawing, urinary catheter care, assistance with daily activities, and health monitoring. Home healthcare provides LPNs with flexible scheduling and the option to work independently.
However, the majority of home healthcare LPNs are employed by agencies rather than working as independent contractors. Their compensation is often based on a per-case basis rather than hourly, tying salary to the number of patients attended to rather than hours worked. Travel between patient homes is also a consideration.
4. Physicians’ Offices
Physicians’ offices represent the fourth most common workplace for LPNs, according to the BLS. Working in a medical practice offers a less hectic pace compared to hospitals or clinics. LPNs in this setting benefit from a consistent schedule, typically avoiding night shifts and weekends. Major holidays are also usually non-working days for LPNs in physicians’ offices.
Within a physician’s office, LPNs operate under the supervision of the primary RN and physician. Duties vary based on the practice type, but generally involve basic nursing care. Responsibilities might include recording patient medical histories, taking vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, administering specific vaccinations, or handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments.
5. Government
Government facilities, including correctional institutions, Veterans Administration departments, and military bases, employ 7% of LPNs, as reported by the BLS. Government settings offer diverse LPN career paths and attractive benefits like retirement plans. Many government employers include financial assistance for nursing education as part of their benefits package.
Similar to other settings, LPN roles involve supporting clinical staff and assisting patients. Similar to physicians’ offices, there is usually limited room for significant professional growth.
6. Schools
LPNs have the option of working under the guidance of a school nurse or other clinician at public or private schools. Due to the absence of an RN license, most schools do not permit LPNs to fill the role of primary school nurse.
The primary responsibility of an LPN in a school setting would be addressing minor medical issues, assessing if students require additional care or treatment, conducting regular hearing and sight tests, and ensuring up-to-date vaccination records.
7. Clinics
In a clinic, LPNs support nurses, practitioners, and clinicians under the supervision of an RN or physician. Responsibilities vary based on the clinic type, whether general or specialized.
LPNs attending general clinics treat patients of all ages, genders, and medical conditions. Specialty clinics might require more focused care for specific patient populations (e.g., infant care, oncology, cardiology). Across clinic types, general LPN duties encompass vital sign monitoring, medication administration, injections, and appointment scheduling.
8. Hospice
Hospice nursing, similar to nursing home care, presents one of the most gratifying yet emotionally challenging LPN career paths. Hospice care caters to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, either in their residences or at hospice facilities. Palliative nursing is another end-of-life care option, catering to those
with longer life expectancies.
Due to the holistic patient focus of hospice care, addressing psychological and spiritual needs, empathy and communication skills are paramount in this role.
9. Insurance Companies
Insurance companies hire LPNs to assist with claims reviews and case processing. With the rise of telecommuting, this is one of the few LPN career options that can be predominantly or entirely conducted from home. It is often considered one of the least stressful nursing roles. Comfort with technology is essential as LPNs working in this capacity interact with various software. This healthcare job does not involve direct patient care.
10. Traveling LPNs
Traveling LPNs have the opportunity to engage in various roles and settings. Depending on location and agency affiliation, LPNs might take on temporary assignments within a specific geographic area or across the country, especially in regions with nursing shortages. Shorter assignments might limit the depth of relationships formed with colleagues over time, yet it provides a unique chance to explore different options and experience diverse parts of the country.
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