---
title: "What Is Licensed practical nurse? Home Care Glossary"
description: "A licensed practical nurse (LPN), called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, gives basic medical care, such as monitoring vital signs,..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/licensed-practical-nurse/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Caregivers and credentials

# Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

A licensed practical nurse (LPN), called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, gives basic medical care, such as monitoring vital signs, changing bandages, and helping with bathing and dressing. LPNs finish a state-approved program, pass a licensing exam, and usually work under a registered nurse or doctor.

## Why it matters for your family

LPNs fill a middle role between aides and registered nurses. In home settings they may provide skilled tasks that aides cannot, within the limits set by state law and a doctor's orders. How closely an LPN must be supervised depends on the state. A common mistake is treating LPNs and RNs as the same. They differ in education and scope. Families can check a nurse's license with the state board of nursing. Ask the doctor which tasks need a nurse. HomeCare.com's non-medical caregivers do not provide skilled nursing. Ask whether the agency verifies licenses and how often it rechecks them.

Source: [bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm)

## Related terms

-   [**Registered nurse (RN)**A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nurse who assesses patients, gives medicines and treatments, helps make care plans, and teaches patients and families how to manage illness at home.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/registered-nurse/)
-   [**Certified nursing assistant (CNA)**A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a trained worker who gives basic care, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, moving patients, and taking vital signs, under the supervision of a nurse.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/certified-nursing-assistant/)
-   [**Skilled nursing care**Skilled nursing care is nursing and therapy that only licensed professionals, or staff supervised by them, can safely provide.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/skilled-nursing-care/)
-   [**Private duty nursing**Private duty nursing is one-on-one nursing care at home or another setting, delivered by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/private-duty-nursing/)
-   [**Home health care**Home health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/home-health-care/)
-   [**Background check**A background check is a review of a person's records before hiring.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/background-check/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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