Types of LPN Work
LPNs: The Basics of the Work
As an LPN, you will have the option of working in a variety of different clinical and office settings. As one can assume, patient care is a full time twenty-four hour seven day a week responsibility, and as such, LPNs are needed literally every minute of every day. This does not mean that you will automatically have to work nights, weekends, and holidays, but it is something to consider when applying for jobs. Many companies may require you to be willing to make some sacrifices with regard to your schedule. On the positive side, however, oftentimes working undesired shifts such as those on a major holiday include hourly bonuses such as time and a half or paid overtime rates.
Working Environments
The vast majority of LPNs work in hospital or nursing care homes, also known as skilled nurse facilities (SNFs). You'll be up and around all the time if working in one of these settings, so be prepared to be on your feet for most of the duration of your shift. As a result, make sure you're prepared for this going in and ok with the idea of standing much of the time. Many nurses use compression stockings and comfortable footwear, such as sneakers along with padded insoles, to ease the physical burden of this demanding job.
Other Work
If you're not in a nursing care or hospital setting, or even if you are, paperwork will likely be a part of your work just the same. Health care is dominated by bureaucracy, and unfortunately a lot of that busy work slides down the chain of command and into your lap. This will be one of the few times when you can actually sit down on the job. Some of the work includes filing medical insurance paperwork, HIPPA documentation (part of national health privacy laws), billing sheets, Medicare and Medicaid forms, and a lot of others. While at times it can seem a bit daunting, just remember it's a necessary evil on the way to providing good patient care.