 The practical nurse provides bedside care in a
variety of medical facilities. Working under the direction of a registered nurse or
physician, the practical nurse is prepared to work with patients with
commonly occurring health problems which have predictable outcomes.
Duties
Practical nurses in this field may be required to:
assist the R.N. in assessment, planning
care, implementation of care and evaluation of the patient
give direct patient care
work under supervision of doctors or
registered nurses
take patients' blood pressure, temperature,
pulse and respiration
bathe and feed patients
change dressings
give prescribed medicines and treatments
report patient symptoms and condition to
supervisors, etc.
document patient care
communicate with other health care team
members
Working Conditions:
Practical nurses in this field commonly experience:
work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors'
offices, private homes
work in cooperation with others
perform multiple duties
work under direct supervision
work under stress to meet schedule deadlines
work in emergency situations/critical,
unusual or dangerous situations
considerable paperwork required
overtime/varied hours/shift changes/nights
and weekends
Physical Demands
active (much carrying, walking, reaching,
standing)
lifting (to 100+ lbs.)
physical stamina -- be able to remain
continuously on task for several hours while standing, moving, lifting and/or bending
physical strength -- be able to move and/or
lift patients, equipment and heavy supplies
adequate hearing -- be able to respond to
normal auditory commands without visual contact and to hear (auscultate) blood pressure
accurately
manual dexterity -- be able to perform
skilled tasks similar to threading a needle
ambulatory skills -- be able to move quickly
in response to patient needs and physicians' orders or to transport patients and/or
equipment in tight/crowded spaces
adequate height -- be able to reach and
operate overhead equipment
adequate pace -- be able to respond to
instructions and to perform tasks quickly under pressure
no existing conditions that might endanger
patients (infants to adult) in your care
Characteristics & Temperament
Practical nurses in this field should have:
excellent communication skills (written and
oral)
ability to follow written and verbal
directions
ability to accurately assess client needs,
problems and concerns
ability to think quickly and independently
posses critical thinking and problem-solving
skills
ability to deal with stress
compassion, empathy, caring attitude
ability to accept responsibility and
accountability for self and others
self-discipline/self-motivation/self-regulation
flexibility/adaptability - ability to change
tasks as needed without loss of composure or efficiency
ability to work quickly and with sustained
attention
ability to within set limits, tolerances or
standards
attention to detail
ability to understand numbers and perform
arithmetic functions quickly and accurately
ability to work with people/deal with
diverse population
ability to set up and work with
machines/understand how they work and to fix them
ability to "catch on" quickly
good motor coordination (hand/eye
coordination, accurate and swift movements, finger/manual dexterity)
accept responsibility for the life long
learning process
Employment Outlook
Employment statistics for 2002-2007 PTC graduates, who found jobs in
this field, are as follows:
salary average:
$26,154 per year
salary range:
$15,000-39,000 per year, depending on which shift, days of the week and hours
worked
86% placement rate
better pay in extended care facilities
better pay in larger cities
good employment possibilities in PTC's
seven-county area; excellent employment possibilities in other areas
further training, experience, and/or
education may result in advancement to management, head nurse, charge nurse, supervisor of
nursing assistants and aides
Employers
Recent graduates have found work at:
Program & Course Information
For information about Piedmont Technical College's programs and courses offered in
this area, visit the Practical Nursing Diploma Program.
Career Tracks is
a publication of Piedmont Technical College that reflects the current career statistics
for students who have completed programs of the college. Forward your questions
about this site to Andy Omundson at (864) 941-8376 or by e-mail to
omundson.a@ptc.edu.
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