Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California and Texas, is a healthcare professional who has completed a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12-18 months) and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Exam Tip
LPNs work under RN or physician supervision. Can collect data but NOT perform initial/comprehensive assessments. Can implement but NOT develop care plans. Can reinforce but NOT initiate teaching. Scope varies by state Nurse Practice Act.
What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or physician. LPNs complete a practical nursing program and must pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure.
LPN Education and Licensure
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | State-approved practical nursing program (12-18 months) |
| Clinical hours | Varies by state (typically 400-600+ hours) |
| Licensure exam | NCLEX-PN (85-150 questions, Computer Adaptive Testing) |
| Continuing education | Required for renewal (varies by state) |
| License renewal | Every 1-2 years depending on state |
LPN Scope of Practice
| CAN Do | CANNOT Do |
|---|---|
| Collect patient data (focused assessments) | Perform comprehensive/initial assessments |
| Implement established care plans | Independently develop nursing care plans |
| Administer oral and some injectable medications | Administer IV push medications (most states) |
| Reinforce patient education | Perform initial patient teaching |
| Provide basic wound care | Manage complex/unstable patients independently |
| Monitor vital signs | Triage patients |
| Delegate to CNAs/UAPs | Delegate to other LPNs |
| Document and report findings to RN | Create nursing diagnoses |
LPN Work Settings
| Setting | Role Focus |
|---|---|
| Long-term care/nursing homes | Primary LPN employer; charge nurse roles common |
| Hospitals | Medical-surgical, rehabilitation units |
| Home health | Direct patient care in the home |
| Physician offices/clinics | Patient intake, medication administration |
| Schools | Health screenings, first aid, medication administration |
| Rehabilitation facilities | Recovery and therapy support |
LPN vs. RN vs. CNA
| Feature | CNA | LPN/LVN | RN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 75-180 hours | 12-18 months | 2-4 years |
| Exam | State CNA exam | NCLEX-PN | NCLEX-RN |
| Assessment | Basic observations | Focused/data collection | Comprehensive/initial |
| Medications | Cannot administer | Oral, some injections | All routes |
| Care plan | Follows plan | Implements plan | Develops plan |
| Supervision | Works under LPN/RN | Works under RN/MD | Independent practice |
Exam Alert
Understanding the LPN scope of practice is essential for the Coordinated Care category on the NCLEX-PN (18-24% of the exam). Know what tasks an LPN can and cannot perform, what can be delegated to CNAs, and when to report to the RN. Scope of practice varies by state Nurse Practice Act.
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Scope of Practice (Nursing)
Scope of practice defines the legal boundaries of what a healthcare professional is authorized to do based on their education, licensure, and state Nurse Practice Act. For LPNs/LVNs, the scope includes basic nursing care, data collection, medication administration, and care plan implementation under RN or physician supervision.
Delegation (Nursing)
Delegation in nursing is the process of transferring responsibility for performing a specific nursing task to another qualified individual (such as a CNA or UAP) while retaining accountability for the outcome. The five rights of delegation guide safe delegation decisions.
Nursing Process
The nursing process is a systematic, five-step problem-solving framework used by nurses to provide patient-centered care: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADPIE). It is the foundation of all nursing practice and the organizing framework for the NCLEX.
Care Plan (Nursing)
A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines a patient's identified health problems, measurable goals, and specific nursing interventions. It is developed by the RN based on nursing assessment data and guides the entire nursing team in providing consistent, individualized care.
10 free AI interactions per day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.