National Nurses Day 2025 may be in the rearview mirror, but there’s never a bad time for showing healthcare workers appreciation. Especially not when the country, and Florida continue to face a nursing shortage. While much of the attention tends to go towards Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) serve a vital function in our healthcare system.
Unfortunately, just like RNs, LPNs are in high demand and short supply. Looking into the next decade, experts predict that in 2027, we’ll need 739,670 LPNs but only 592,960 trained and ready to meet the demand. Even more worrying is the fact that this gap is only projected to grow from there.
Thankfully though, there are steps we can take today to avoid this outcome. We can start by learning about the vital role that LPNs play in healthcare facilities across Florida and the nation. If you’re considering becoming an LPN or a healthcare professional yourself, we’ll also provide some advice on how to get started in this essential career.
General LPN Role in Healthcare
How do LPNs advance care and treatment? LPNs are responsible for many of the essential care functions we associate with nursing and receiving health care in general.
The typical LPN role in healthcare includes:
- Communication Link: LPNs communicate between different levels of care whatever the setting. In some instances they may need to describe what a diagnosis means to a patient, their family, and their caregiver. Other times, they may explain how to care for a patient to other LPNs or paraprofessionals caring for a patient. They may also communicate changes in a patient’s condition to physicians or RNs and work with them to update or revise treatment.
- Administer Treatment: LPNs help move treatment along in various ways depending on what the patient needs. This includes helping a patient through their physical therapy exercises or helping them to take their medication orally. They also receive training on and operate therapeutic medical tools to ensure patients progress through their treatment. Finally, LPNs treat wounds and change bandages as necessary.
- Test and Monitor: Another critical function that LPNs perform is in conducting essential diagnostic tests. These might include collecting bloodwork, urine, or stool samples to be tested in the facility. LPNs will also take and record vital signs for a patient during their stay. They take the critical step of notifying physicians and RNs should there be any changes.
Importance of LPNs in Different Healthcare Facilities
LPNs are present at facilities across our healthcare system because LPNs possess broad knowledge and an in-demand skillset. It’s most common to see LPNs at nursing and residential care facilities, but they also serve in hospitals, and home health facilities.
LPNs Drive Care At Nursing Home Facilities
Nursing and residential care facilities are often home to patients with stabilized conditions in need of additional care and support. They help patients dress and bathe while also ensuring the patients eat and drink what they’re supposed to. LPNs also provide critical support to these patients, listening to their concerns and advocating on their behalf.
LPNs Remain Needed in Hospitals
LPNs fulfill many of the same duties in hospitals as they do in nursing home facilities. However, there are key differences in the settings that make for an altogether different experience. LPNs will work closely with an RN and physician to deliver the care a patient needs. An LPNs consistent monitoring of a patient’s vital signs provide an early clue in how a patient’s recovery is proceeding.
LPNs Fuel Home Health’s Growth
Various forms of healthcare at home are on the rise, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for LPNs at home health agencies continues to rise as more folks seek care from the comfort of their home. Some LPNs see less patients in home health and enjoy the opportunity to develop relationships with their patients and deliver a higher standard of care.
Become an LPN Before the Next National Nurses Day
If celebrating National Nurses Day 2025 has you considering a new career, we have some good news. Not only is a career as an LPN rewarding, it’s also accessible to you right now. In fact, you’re just three steps away from becoming an LPN before the next National Nurses Day.
- Enroll at Orange Technical College: Start your career as an LPN at Orange Technical College. Our Practical Nursing program combines theoretical and clinical experiences to develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an LPN. The program is available at both our Avalon and Main campuses offering even greater flexibility for students.
- Pass the NCLEX and pay applicable fees: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the National Council Licensing Examination or NCLEX. When you enroll at Orange Technical, our program faculty teach with the rigors of the NCLEX in mind, preparing you to pass. In Florida, passing the NCLEX grants you a license to work as an LPN in multiple states across the country.
- Get Hired: After you pass the NCLEX, you’re qualified to work as an LPN. From there, you can continue your education through employer-sponsored LPN to RN programs and take your career to the next level.
Take Your First Steps Today
If you’re a detail-oriented, compassionate communicator looking to make a difference, consider becoming an LPN today. As an LPN you’ll make patients feel cared for and comfortable while helping RNs and physicians effectively treat conditions. If nursing is your calling, take the first step and enroll at Orange Technical College today.