Nursing Practice in the United States
Some international LPN/LVNs find nursing in the United States similar to nursing as they learned it in their country. For others, nursing in the United States is very different from what they learned or experienced in their home country. The NCLEX-PN® exam may ask you questions about procedures that are unfamiliar to you. You may be asked questions about diets and foods that are new to you. In order to be successful on the NCLEX-PN® exam, you must be able to correctly answer questions about nursing as it is practiced in the United States.
Here is an overview of services and skills that LPN/LVNs are expected to perform:
- LPN/LVNs are involved with prevention, early detection, and treatment of illness for people of all ages.
- LPN/LVNs care for the whole person, not just an illness. Their focus is on client needs; that is, how a client will respond to an illness.
- LPN/LVNs are professionals who are responsible for their actions.
- LPN/LVNs must communicate with clients and all the members of the health care team: RNs, unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs), physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, therapists, technicians, and social workers.
- LPN/LVNs serve as clients’ advocates; that is, they counsel clients and make sure their rights are protected.
- LPN/LVNs help clients understand the health care system and assist them to make decisions about their health care.
- LPN/LVNs are assertive and ask questions of other health care professionals when necessary, including physicians. Their style of communication is polite and professional but very direct.
- LPN/LVNs are responsible for meeting the needs of clients whose care involves high-tech equipment.
- LPN/LVNs are responsible for basing their actions on knowledge and acceptable nursing practice.
- LPN/LVNs, not families, are responsible for all the hands-on nursing care for clients in the hospital setting.
- LPN/LVNs are responsible for teaching clients and their families how to manage their health care needs.