Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Description
Hiring an LPN? Nurse.com can help.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are essential to delivering quality patient care. They work closely with RNs and physicians, administer basic patient care, monitor patients, document medical records, and assist with daily activities. Having the right people in these roles is key for an employer.
A comprehensive LPN job description can help recruit top talent for your facility. Use this licensed practical nurse job description as a template. By tailoring it to your specific needs, you can attract qualified candidates and land the best fit.
For more inspiration, check out other LPN job listings on the Nurse.com Talent Marketplace.
LPN Job Description
Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of the job and its key responsibilities. Mention if the nurse will be assigned to a specific department, specialty, or if the position involves scheduling rotation.
About your facility: In this section, highlight the benefits of joining your team and workplace. Share information about your facility’s mission, values, company culture, and any hospital designations, awards, or recognitions received.
Role and responsibilities: Outline the daily tasks of an LPN, which are typically more focused on direct patient care and support under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Bullet points can make the information easily digestible.
Here are some examples of standard LPN job duties:
- Administer medications as prescribed and monitor patients for side effects
- Take and record vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc.)
- Assist patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
- Perform basic wound care and change dressings
- Collect specimens for lab tests (e.g., urine, blood, stool samples)
- Monitor patient health and report changes in condition to supervising nurse or physician
- Provide patient and family education about health maintenance and treatments
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure quality patient care
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, charts, and electronic health records
- Adhere to local, state, and federal healthcare regulations
- Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to standard codes of conduct and performance standards
Expectations: Specify if the job is full-time or part-time. List any benefits and perks offered by your facility, like professional development opportunities and childcare cost reimbursements. You can also provide pay range information here. Be transparent about the job’s physical requirements. For example:
This role can be physically demanding, requiring occasional heavy lifting. The job will require standing and walking, with some sitting. Tasks will involve eye work, such as computer use, typing, reading, and writing. Please note that the physical demands may vary depending on the specific work area and tasks assigned.
Minimum qualifications: List the requirements a candidate must meet in order to be hired. For example:
- Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program
- Active LPN license or temporary permit approved by the [insert state] Licensing Board
- [Insert number] years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse
- Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification; additional certifications (e.g., IV Therapy) may be required based on the role
- Must possess strong clinical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Conclusion: Finish the job description with a strong call to action, explaining how candidates can apply for the open role and outlining the next steps in the hiring process.