Upon completion of the program and passing the licensing examination, the LPN can enter the workforce as a competent, skilled nurse. Practical nurses provide bedside nursing care at the direction of physicians and/or registered nurses. The practice of practical nursing is based on concepts from the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences. Each state has its own nurse practice act, so the scope of practice varies from state to state.

As a licensed professional, the LPN uses the nursing process for patient assessment, to contribute to the nursing diagnosis made by the RN and for planning, implementation, and evaluation in providing care.

LPNs are integral to nursing. They provide individualized care in a variety of healthcare settings such as acute care, long-term care, home health care, and other community healthcare agencies.

Practical nursing students benefit from extensive hands-on learning in one-year programs. Much of their preparation for nursing focuses on supervised clinical experiences with real clients in real health care facilities. This clinical component of education is one of the major strengths of the practical nursing program.

Because of the versatility in their study, LPNs are among the most patient-focused members of any health care team.