Duties and responsibilities
Triage Licensed Practical nurses are LPNs who perform triage functions. Triage is a process used to determine priority of care and LPNs assess the patient to determine whether he needs to be seen and whether they should be transferred to hospital. Their typical duties and responsibilities include:
- Answering calls
- Meeting the patient when the come in
- Working under a registered nurse of physician
- Assessing a patient to determine the extent of their injury or illness
Qualifications
In order to become an LPN, you must complete an approved educational program. These programs award a certificate or diploma and typically take about 1 year to complete. They are commonly offered at technical schools and community colleges, although some programs may be available in high schools or hospitals.
Skills and relevant work experience
Triage LPNs will need skills and talents such as:
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- Emotional stability, as they may encounter people who are distressed or in a lot of pain and must be able to hold it together
- Communication skills, as triage LPNs will need to communicate what is going to happen next with the patient, and with the nurse or physician in charge
- Compassion and empathy, as LPNs will work closely patients and need to be understanding and relatable
- Physical fitness, as triage LPNs may have to lift and turn patients
Hours
In general, triage LPNs will work full time hours, although part time work is available.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in the United States was $47,480 in 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,560 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,360. Triage LPNs can expect to earn within this region.
Progression
With experience, licensed practical nurses may advance to supervisory positions. They can also advance to other healthcare occupations. For example, an LPN may complete a LPN to RN education program to become a registered nurse.