Licensed Practical Nurse LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)There are four basic categories of LPN duties—clerical, administrative, clinical, and specialist. Depending upon the medical practice, the same LPN may do one of these categories, or all four of them.Reports ToThe Practice Manager for business-related items, and to the medical practice physician(s) for clinically-related items.Essential FunctionsClinical LPN DutiesClinical LPN job duties involve working with patients in a clinical context, assisting physicians during procedures, and performing light medical procedures. Because of the responsibilities that come with medical practice, the clinical medical assistant duties are regulated differently from state to state. LPNs are always required to be supervised by a physician.The basic duties of LPNs include:Taking patient vital signs; recording in the patient's medical recordTaking medical histories; recording in the patient's medical recordPreparing patients for medical tests and examinationsAssisting practitioners during examinationsExplaining medical procedures to patientsSterilizing medical instrumentsRemoving suturesAdministering topical, oral, or intramuscular medicationsDrawing blood (phlebotomy)Wound careAdministrative LPN DutiesAdministrative LPN duties are less directly involved with patients, and more involved with the general running of the medical practice. Administrative LPNs work with patients in the context of scheduling appointments and handling billing functions.Some administrative LPN duties might include:Maintaining the confidentiality of patient informationManaging inventory and ordering suppliesScheduling patient medical proceduresFollowing up on patient visitsUpdating patient recordsObtaining pre-authorizations/pre-certification'sChecking the patient portal and responding to patientsOrdering lab tests and imaging studiesScheduling patient appointmentsClerical LPN DutiesClerical LPNs perform many of the same duties as administrative LPNs, but with less emphasis on medical records and patient information. Clerical LPN duties focus more on the business aspects of running a medical practice. They are similar to administrative assistants in typical office settings, managing the day-to-day office activities that keep an office running smoothly.Some clerical LPN duties might include:Answering phonesGreeting patientsSorting mailHandling correspondenceFilingCreating documentsPerforming computer data entrySpecialist Medical Assistant DutiesThe job duties of a specialist LPN are somewhat different from those of general LPNs. These LPNs work in a specialist clinic, such as an orthopedic practice, a surgery practice, a hematology/oncology practice, or a cardiology practice. A specialist LPN has in-depth knowledge of a particular medical field, and has job responsibilities that reflect their specialization.Required SkillsBecause LPN duties are so varied, a very flexible skill set is needed to perform them well. These skills and personality traits are recommended:Ability to multi-task various job dutiesAbility to handle different personalities and personal situations—both patient and coworkersAbility to understand the theories, reasons, and technical aspects of medicineA formal education from an accredited LPN; licensure requiredEmployee Statement of UnderstandingI understand that this document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The statements in this document are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. I further understand that my signature does not indicate that I agree with the performance evaluation completed by my supervisor, only that the evaluation has been discussed with me.40 hours a week/10 hour days.