Diverse Career Paths for LPNs: Beyond Patient Care

While many associate Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) primarily with patient care, these healthcare professionals can explore a variety of roles that leverage their skills in different settings. From teaching to research, here are some exciting career paths that LPNs can pursue outside of traditional patient care roles.

Exploring Non-Patient Care Roles for LPNs

Health Educator: LPNs can focus on educating communities or specific groups about health and wellness. This role may involve providing information on healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and disease management. Care Coordinator: LPNs can play a vital role in coordinating care for patients, ensuring that they receive timely and appropriate care. This can include assisting with scheduling, communication between healthcare providers, and managing care plans. Medical Office Manager: LPNs can utilize their organizational skills by managing medical office operations, ensuring that patient care is efficient and effective. This role may involve administrative tasks, staff management, and implementing policies and procedures. Telehealth Nurse: In the era of telemedicine, LPNs can provide remote care to patients, offering health assessments, monitoring, and treatment plans. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage virtual healthcare interactions. Community Health Nurse: LPNs can work in community settings to promote health and prevent illness. This may involve conducting health screenings, providing health education, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to address community health needs. Telehealth Nurse: LPNs can provide remote care to patients, offering health assessments, monitoring, and treatment plans. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage virtual healthcare interactions. Research Assistant in Healthcare: LPNs can contribute to healthcare research by assisting in studies, chart reviews, and data collection. This role leverages their practical experience in the field to provide valuable insights. Patient Advocate: LPNs can help patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring that they receive the best care possible. This role may involve advocating for patients’ rights, providing support, and assisting in resolving issues related to healthcare. Utilization Management at a Managed Care Organization: LPNs with additional experience can work in desk-based roles focused on ensuring that healthcare services are provided efficiently and effectively. This may involve tasks such as prior authorization for prescription medications and reviewing patient data. No-Profit Organization Work: Some LPNs choose to work with non-profit organizations, providing medical care and education in third-world or conflict zones. This role offers the opportunity to travel, learn about different cultures, and make a significant impact.

Personal Perspectives on LPN Career Paths

From personal experience, I have worked in a variety of settings outside of patient care, including ICU, ER, mental health, correctional facilities, and counseling. I have also taught 2nd grade and worked as an industrial nurse. It's important to note that even retired LPNs can continue to find interesting roles in healthcare.

As a licensed practical nurse, the opportunities are vast, and many LPNs work in clinical trials and research departments. For instance, I am a chart reviewer at my hospital, where LPNs also handle prior authorization for prescription medications and work for insurance companies.

Moving into utilization management at a managed care organization can be an attractive option for LPNs with experience. While it involves desk work and may not offer the best pay, it is highly in demand.

Conclusion

For those considering an LPN career or already in one, it's essential to explore the diverse opportunities available. Whether you're looking to advance your skills or seek new challenges, the range of roles beyond traditional patient care can provide exciting and fulfilling career paths for LPNs.