Working as an LPN in a Rehabilitation Center

If you are interested in a career as a licensed practical nurse, or an LPN, then you may be wondering where all you may find yourself employed. Unlike other medical professions, a career as an LPN is dynamic as it is found in a wide array of medical facilities. Perhaps one of the fastest growing employers within this industry is at a rehabilitation center.

In case you’re not sure, rehabilitation LPNs provide detailed care to patients who feature physical disabilities. These disabilities may be chronic or acute. The primary goal of an LPN within this specialty is to assist patients regain, as well as maintain, physical functionality. While there are many ways an aspiring LPN can enter this specific workforce, your primary area of study and specialization should be with the elderly as the bulk of your patients will be advanced in age.

As a rehabilitative LPN, your daily responsibilities will vary based upon the state in which you work in. Considering this, there are several universal job functions these professionals regularly face.

When you work in this career, the core of your job duties are client-specific. Because there is a wide array of clients with unique situations, you’ll work directly with a physician to coordinate activities, therapies and treatments that best suit the specific needs of a patient. Along with creating a patient care plan, you’ll be responsible for other duties such as, checking vital signs, recording progress, charting patient progress, administering medications and attending to wounds.

Perhaps one of the most important elements of working as a rehabilitative nurse is clear and concise communication. It’s of utmost importance to ensure the patient and all caregivers are on the same page. Therefore, teamwork is the heart and soul within this field. Not only must you be able to clearly communicate with the entire medical team, but you must also be capable of clearly communicating directly with the patient and their family regarding their care and treatment.

Unlike other specialties, there typically isn’t any unique training requirements to work as a rehabilitative LPN. Once you’ve completed your standard LPN training, you’ll be outfitted with the necessary skills and abilities to effectively care for rehab patients. Of course, you can get a leg-up on the competition by completing continuing education courses within this subject matter.

As a rehabilitative LPN, you can work in a wide array of settings, such as hospitals, clinics and even directly in the patient’s home. It’s important to communicate with your desired workplace to ensure they don’t have specific training or experience requirements.

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http://www.nflpn.org/

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