10 Characteristics of a Good LPN

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A medical team in a hospital or any healthcare facility works best with a licensed practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses can provide a variety of nurse care services depending on the healthcare facility they are working for. Most of the time, LPNs are the first in the medical team to be working with a patient since they have to record the patient’s medical history.

The work of an LPN does not end there. Here are some of the tasks an LPN performs:

• Medical administration under the supervision of the attending physician
• Taking and recording of vital signs (temperature, height, weight, and blood pressure)
• Supervising tasks of certified nurse assistants
• Assessing patient’s reactions to dosages of their medications
• Provide counseling and emotional support

Being a licensed practical nurse covers a lot of responsibility in providing care for their patients. To become a good and efficient LPN, here are 10 characteristics one should have.

• Interpersonal or good communicator  

It is an important part of the job to be in constant communication to both members of the medical team and the patient. As an LPN, one must be able to update the team with the progress of the patient. Also, the patient has to know every single detail of their care management.

• Emotionally stable

The job can be very stressful and losing a patient is inevitable. As an LPN, one must be strong enough to deal with these matters and continue the care management for other patients.

• Compassionate

Being caring and empathetic is an advantage in this profession. Patients are suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally. LPNs are considered advocates; hence, it is important to comfort them in times of distress.

• Flexibility

Working long hours is a part of the job. With different tasks under a LPNs scope, it is their flexibility that makes them efficient with their responsibilities.

• Detail oriented

Being keen to a patient’s need is very important. To ensure that patients are getting the right care, being focused on every detail is necessary. It is important to make sure that every step in care administration is followed so as not to compromise both the patient and the medical team. Changes should be made when no progress is recorded.

• Trustworthy

Patients should always feel secured and taken care of. Most importantly, they should give their full trust to the LPNs. Trust is a good foundation for both the patient and LPN for a smooth flow of medical administration.

• Fast thinker

LPNs should come up with immediate responses on or before a problem arises. As an LPN, one should think of solutions right away to a patient’s immediate need.

• Stamina or Physical Endurance

The job is physically exhausting. Most of the time spent is walking and standing. Oftentimes, there could be lifting as the need to transfer patients. A LPN should maintain a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle and stay strong for the job.

• Time management skills

With a lot of patients under their care, LPNs need to manage their time to be able to complete all the things they have to do during their shifts. On time clinical rotations and other scopes of nursing care should be administered and performed well. It can be challenging to handle a lot of patients but with time management, nothing is impossible.

• Respect

Being exposed to different kinds of patients, a LPN should maintain respect of a patient’s cultural background, religion, and even traditions. It is vital to understand these aspects as it helps in planning for the best care management for the patient.

LPNs have a tough job; however, with their experience in their field, everything seems to be perfectly fine. The most important thing is to remain professional despite the toxic working environment to avoid experiencing stress for the LPN and the patient as well.