Demand for practical nurses, or PNs, is growing rapidly. The role is vital in every healthcare setting, and luckily for aspiring professionals, training is possible to complete in a little over one year. This makes it a popular career choice for those interested in the healthcare industry. But what exactly does a PN do anyway? Here, Prism Career Institute gives you a closer look at typical PN responsibilities and the expectations of these professionals.
What Is a PN?
A PN directly supports doctors and administrative staffers at hospitals. They work under the supervision of a doctor, physician, or registered nurse, helping to provide routine care for the sick or injured. It’s an essential role in any hospital or clinic. PNs can fill supportive roles in a variety of settings, such as:
- Hospitals
- Private clinics
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care facilities
- Mental health clinics
Duties and Responsibilities
Most of a PN’s duties are related to routine patient care, though some of them can branch into the administrative side of healthcare as well. Specific responsibilities vary between location and employer. Most of the time, however, a PN is expected to perform some or all of the following tasks:
- Accurately document a patient’s medical history and maintain and access records.
- Monitor and record vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate.
- Observe patients under treatment to record progress and any side effects of medications.
- Assist patients in routine activities, such as eating and basic hygiene.
- Administer medications, injections, and treatments.
- Collect and deliver samples for lab testing.
- Provide emotional support for patients and their families as needed.
- Communicate with patient families to provide advice, instructions, and comfort.
Qualities of a Good PN
Being able to complete these duties is the first step toward success as a PN, but it isn’t the last. PNs are also expected to have solid communication skills and the ability to interact positively with patients and families. Illness and injury are stressful, and the patients you serve will be struggling with that stress while in an unfamiliar place. As a PN, you’re expected to treat these patients with compassion, offering them kindness and support when they need it most.
PNs also spend a lot of time on their feet. As a PN, you’ll constantly be delivering samples to laboratories, moving between patient rooms, shadowing doctors, and more. Because of this, most hospitals expect their PNs to stay in good physical condition. Your employer will want to know that they can rely on your stamina to keep operations flowing smoothly, even on the busiest days.
Become a PN Now
PNs are often some of the busiest people in healthcare. The work, however, is essential – and it’s very rewarding. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a PN, start your training with Prism Career Institute. Our practical nursing program is available at our campuses in West Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as well as in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To learn more about how Prism Career Institute can prepare you for PN responsibilities, contact us today.