What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?
A Licensed Practical Nurse provides healthcare to people who need it. They may be employed at an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, at a hospice, in a prison, at an adult care home or in a patient’s home. They must have a licence to provide medical care and an understanding of how to work with patients who may be experiencing extreme discomfort, fear and confusion. They work with Doctors to decide on the best courses of action for their patients.
Licensed Practical Nurse skills and qualifications
Licensed Practical Nurses work in environments that can be physically and emotionally demanding. The following qualities can be beneficial for this type of work environment:
- Compassion and a desire to help people
- The ability to work well under pressure
- Thorough attention to detail
- The ability to work well with others
- The ability to accept constructive criticism
- Excellent communication skills
- Empathy and understanding
- Excellent customer service skills
Licensed Practical Nurse experience requirements
Most employers will want applicants to have at least two years of work experience before applying to this position. However, many people complete advanced nursing apprenticeships after university that last for over two years and can be considered job experience. If an applicant is right out of university, look for voluntary experience in social care or healthcare along with extensive training in lieu of official job experience. Above all, applicants must have a desire to help their patients and a knowledge of how to provide care to those who need it most.
Licensed Practical Nurse education and training requirements
Three years of university in one of the degrees approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council are necessary in order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Some degree courses will allow people to study and specialise in an area related to nursing such as psychology, life sciences or social work. Many applicants will have completed an apprenticeship in a hospital, and all applicants must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and pass an enhanced background check in order to work.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse is £9.28 per hour in the United Kingdom. Salary is usually dependent on experience, location and employer.
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