Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) must be licensed to enter the career. They often work in long-term care facilities and nursing homes instead of physician offices or hospitals. Every state has a Nurse Practice Act that defines the scope of practice for LPNs as well as registered nurses (RNs). LPNs are usually supervised by either an RN or a physician.

Duties LPNs May Perform[1]

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses typically do the following: 

• Monitor patients’ health, such as checking their blood pressure
• Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
• Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
• Discuss the care they are providing with patients and listen to their concerns
• Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
• Keep records on patients’ health
• Perform CPR in emergencies

Duties LPNs May Not Perform[2]

Check your state’s Nurse Practice Act for the scope of practice for LPNs in your state. Every state has a Nurse Practice Act that defines the scope of practice for LPNs as well as registered nurses (RNs).

• LPNs’ duties vary depending on their practice setting and the state in which they work
  • For example, in some states, LPNs are allowed to start IVs while in others they are not
• State laws and regulations also govern how much direct supervision of an LPN is necessary by an RN or physician
• Some states even allow LPNs to supervise and direct medical assistants and other unlicensed medical staff