Licensed practical nurse

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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas and as registered practical nurses (RPNs) in Ontario. They are called enrolled nurses (ENs) in Australia and state enrolled nurses (SENs) in the United Kingdom.

1 United States
2 United Kingdom
3 References
4 See also

[edit] United States

Main article: Nursing in the United States

These individuals usually have twelve months to two years of training in anatomy and physiology, medications, and practical patient care. They must pass state or national boards (such as NCLEX-PN in the U.S.) and renew their license periodically.

LPNs can perform simple as well as complex medical procedures, but must operate under the supervision of either a professional registered nurse (RN) or a physician. They can administer most medications,including most IV push medications, perform measurements (blood pressure, temperature, etc), maintain patient records, help with patient-care planning, surgery, first aid, CPR, sterile and isolation procedure and basic care.

LPNs are often found working under the supervision of physicians in clinics. In long term care facilities, they sometimes supervise nursing assistants and orderlies.

The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are about 700,000 persons employed as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in the U.S.

LPNs must at least be high school graduates. They follow the rules of State Boards of Nursing. Requirements for taking boards usually include a clean criminal record and graduation from an approved vocational nursing program.

[edit] United Kingdom

Main article: Nursing in the United Kingdom

The state enrolled nursing qualification can no longer be gained in Britain. Prior to the implementation of Project 2000 which radically altered the face of nurse education in the mid-nineties SEN students used to follow the first twelve months training of the state registered nurses (SRNs, now known as level one nurses), and then had another twelve months of training before sitting SEN exams and becoming registered. Some auxiliary nurses with many years of experience used to be allowed to sit the SEN exams and enter the register without requiring further training. People training to be SRNs who failed their exams at the third attempt were also able to enter the nursing register as a SEN. Although no new SENs are trained in the UK, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (the regulatory body for nurses in the UK) does allow people to be added to the register as level two nurses if they are moving from a similar position abroad.^[1]

Formerly, there was a large segregation between the "green" SENs and "blue" SRNs, which were the colour of uniform typically worn. SENs were very much complementary to the nursing team, however did not have the status of SRNs and were ineligible to be promoted, e.g to ward sister. Many SENs sat or re-sat the SRN exams, however a large number did not and were quite content being a SEN. Nowadays, the divide between level one and two nurses is diminishing due to the small number of SENs still in practice. Many SENs have the same responsibility as level one nurses, especially in a ward environment.^[2]

Auxiliary nurses (also known as healthcare assistants, or clinical support workers) are taking on a lot of tasks which have until now been done by the registered nurses - things like taking blood samples, changing dressings, and recording ECGs. Recent announcements consider these staff having their own part on the nursing register. At present they work under the supervision of a registered nurse who is accountable for their actions. Auxiliary nurses on their own part of the register would have huge implications regarding professional responsibility, pay and conditions along with logistical problems.