Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Hourly Rate

Registered practical nurses (RPN's) play a major role in the medical field. What is not handled by a doctor is usually handled by an RPN. They care for patients with all forms of illness or injury. RPN's usually spend more time with patients than with a doctor, particularly when handling patients who are in critical condition when they are at the patient's bedside sometimes for their entire shift.
Registered practical nurses may work in a doctor's office, hospital or at a patient's home. Their working hours also have a wide range. Those who work in a doctor's office will work standard weekday business hours. Those who work in hospitals will usually work longer than eight hours: They frequently work 12 hour shifts or even double shifts for 16 hours. They also rotate quite often and go back and forth from day shifts to night shifts. Personal home care also has these unusual hours that may be at anytime as many patients require care around the clock.
Registered practical nurses generally report to an administrative registered nurse or the doctor whose care the patient is under. RPN's must complete nursing school and a licensing/training program in their field in order to be hired. Many positions also require experience in the nursing field.
Nurses perform a number of tasks depending on the condition of the patient. Some patients only require basic vital checks such as heart rate and blood pressure. Others may require care with injections, complete hygienic care, enemas, catheter changes and help moving. These are only a few of the duties of an RPN. They must be a caring person with a strong stomach and capable of working long shifts on their feet. Performing their job correctly is often the difference between the life and death of a patient.

Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Tasks