Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, are at the heart of care in senior living communities. Today’s article examines what makes them vital to senior care, and the value of regularly refreshing those skills.
Licensed Practical Nurse Duties in Senior Living
What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do for residents in a senior living community that makes them so vital? Simply put, they are typically the first point of contact with residents and staff, and also typically their initial caretakers.
Daily Living Assistance
LPNs assist seniors with daily living tasks they might otherwise struggle with due to age or other factors. These include bathing, dressing, and assisting with meals.
Basic Medical Care
Any non-urgent care a senior living resident needs is first addressed by an attending LPN. This also includes monitoring the resident’s health status, like changing any dressings or checking vitals.
Medical Administration
By keeping documentation of the resident’s care, the LPN can communicate with other professionals involved in their care. This keeps everyone up-to-date with the latest changes in overall health, including new symptoms and medications.
Medication Management
LPNs are centrally involved in medication administration and management in assisted living communities. They make sure guests receive their prescribed medicines accurately and on time. This includes storing, preparing, and documenting all medications taken, including close attention to dosing and scheduling. All of which are vital in maintaining the health and well-being of residents.
Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Courses for PA
There are plenty of Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Courses for PA for LPNs to revitalize and sharpen their skills. These are available through most nursing schools for nurses of different levels of experience or time away from the field. Why sign up for courses like this? There are plenty of good reasons, but here are two big ones.
1. Continuing Education
Medical science does not stand still, and medical professionals are expected to stay up-to-date with the latest discoveries and techniques. By taking a refresher course, an LPN can quickly get up-to-speed with anything they might have missed.
2. Reinforcing Skills
As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Refresher courses are a perfect chance for LPNs to reinforce their skills and improve on them in a safe setting. This can be perfect to both practice skills you’ve rarely used in your workplace and strengthen any generally weaker skills.
CynaMed: Keeping the Heart of Senior Living Care Strong
Are you an LPN looking for placement in a senior living facility in Western Pennsylvania? Look no further than the friendly and knowledgeable professionals at CynaMed.
Whether you’re a seasoned LPN looking for positions or a nursing student curious about how to become an LPN, CynaMed can help. When you’re ready to get started, contact our team for more information and to schedule your interview.
