Caring, compassionate people with a desire to help others may want to consider a career as a practical nurse (PN). While most of the job centers around delivering the utmost care to those in need, many other daily responsibilities must be carried out by PNs, as well.
Typically, practical nurses work under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. Assisting with dressing, bathing and personal hygiene, PNs provide general care for the ill, injured, convalescent and others under their supervision. They also check the scale of pain for each patient as well as vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature, on a regular basis.
Much of the practical nurse's job requires monitoring, recording and gathering information from each patient in order to update their records and continue to deliver the best care for them. One of the most important tasks they perform is administering each person's medication - either by mouth, topically or by injection. When an adverse reaction occurs, the practical nurse is to report it to a supervisor so that together, they can properly assess the problem and take the appropriate course of action.
Those interested in pursuing a career in practical nursing can apply for the Practical Nursing program at Vancouver Career College. For more information, fill out the form on the right.