Role of the Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse on the Rehabilitation Team
It is the position of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) that the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) is recognized in the rehabilitation setting as a valuable and contributing member of the rehabilitation team. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California, have been a part of the healthcare workforce for many years. Most LPN/LVN’s are employed in skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, rehabilitation, ambulatory settings, private home care and some in hospitals (National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, retrieved 5/15/2021). With the shortage of Registered Nurses expected to continue, the need for LPNs is anticipated to grow by nine percent between 2019 to 2029 to help fill the healthcare needs of many. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).
Current Status:
The licensing requirements for the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LPN) vary by state in accordance with their state Nurse Practice Act. ARN supports each state’s individual scope of practice while realizing the valuable role of the LPN/LVN on the rehabilitation nursing team.
Scope of Practice
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses represent the entry level into the nursing profession and are integrated into many areas of care. One of the broadest descriptions of LPN scope of practice is: “Licensed practical nurses… care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses" (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).
While LPN/LVN’s provide basic patient care, they participate in many different settings to the extent of their basic knowledge and continuing education under the supervision of an RN including direct and indirect nursing care, health maintenance, teaching, counseling, collaborative planning, and rehabilitation (Jacelon, 2011). The National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) recognizes that opportunities exist to utilize the skills of the LPN in “a team effort: to preserve and improve an individual patient’s functioning” (NFLPN, 2003).
Recommendation:
Common Duties of the LPN/LVN
The following are common duties which include but are not limited to:
- Recording the patient’s history
- Giving medication as prescribed by the physician
- Taking vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight
- Basic wound care including cleaning and bandaging injured areas
- Giving injections of medications
- Providing immunizations
- Entering information into computer systems
- Ensuring patients and families understand release instructions
- Providing oversight to Nursing Assistive Personnel (NAP)
- Monitoring fluid/food intake and output
- Moving patients safely
- Observing patient reactions to medications
- Observing patient mental health status
- Providing emotional support
- Assisting with daily needs such as bathing and dressing
- Observing of patients for skin breakdown
In general, individual state practice acts require that the LPN/LVN must work under the supervision of a registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, physician, or in some states, pharmacists, podiatrists, or others. Refer to your state’s individual practice act for current information.
Updated by the Continuing Education Provider Unit in 2024.
References:
Jacelon, C.S. (Ed.). (2011). The Specialty Practice of Rehabilitation Nursing: A Core Curriculum (6th ed). Glenview, IL: Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse. (retrieved 5/15/2021).https://www.lpnclasses.org/articles/what-is-the-national-federation-of-licensed-practical-nurses.html#:~:text=%20What%20is%20the%20National%20Federation%20of%20Licensed,Programs.%20In%20addition%20to%20continuing%20education...%20More%20
National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (retrieved 5/15/2021) https://nalpn.org/
National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (retrieved 5/15/2021) https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-employment-outlook-2020-future/
Practical Nursing. Org (retrieved 5/15/2021). Job description of the LPN role. https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-jobs-description#:~:text=LPN%20Job%20Description%20Licensed%20practical%20nurses%20%28LPN%27s%29%20fill,regarding%20medication%2C%20home-based%20care%2C%20and%20preventative%20lifestyle%20changes.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). Occupation Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
Vaughan, S. (Ed.). (2015). The Specialty Practice of Rehabilitation Nursing: A Core Curriculum (8th ed). Glenview, IL: Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.
Resources:
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. (n.d.-a). Rehabilitation Nurses Make a Difference [Brochure]. Glenview, IL: Author. Association of Rehabilitation Nurse. (n.d.-b). The Rehabilitation Staff Nurse Role Description [Brochure]. Glenview, IL: Author.
