A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, plays a vital role in patient care.
LPNs often act as the bridge between patients and registered nurses or doctors, making sure nothing falls through the cracks. They can make all the difference for in-home care patients, bringing medical skills and emotional support.
For LPNs, considering the transition from hospital or care facility work to in-home care can be a big decision, but we’ve got you covered with our guide so you know what to expect.
Let’s break down your options.
Some of these include:
BrightStar Care of Louisville is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is located at 406 Blankenbaker Parkway, Ste G, Louisville, KY, 40243. You may also call us at 502-893-4700. We look forward to hearing from you!
LPNs often act as the bridge between patients and registered nurses or doctors, making sure nothing falls through the cracks. They can make all the difference for in-home care patients, bringing medical skills and emotional support.
For LPNs, considering the transition from hospital or care facility work to in-home care can be a big decision, but we’ve got you covered with our guide so you know what to expect.
Home Care vs. Facility Care: Pros and Cons for LPNs
If you're a licensed practical nurse considering your next move, deciding between home care and facility care can feel like a big fork in the road. Each path offers a unique work environment, different challenges, and its own kind of fulfillment.Let’s break down your options.
Pros of Home Care for LPNs
If you’re exploring the home care route, there are plenty of good reasons to consider this career shift.Some of these include:
- One-on-One Focus: Home care gives you the chance to build deeper connections with clients and provide personalized support without the hustle of multiple patients at once.
- Flexible Scheduling: Many LPNs enjoy greater autonomy with home care hours, which is ideal if you’re balancing family life or continuing your education.
- Lower Stress Environment: Without overhead pages, shift change rushes, or hospital noise, home care often feels calmer and more manageable.
Cons of Home Care for LPNs
But these pros don’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all situation. For some people, these concerns make facility care a better choice:- More Independence, More Responsibility: You’ll often be working solo. That means quick critical thinking and confidence in your skills are essential.
- Less Peer Interaction: If you love the camaraderie of a facility, you might miss the daily connection with coworkers.
- Unpredictable Workspaces: Every home is different: stairs, pets, and family members all mean you’ll need to adapt quickly to new surroundings.
Pros of Facility Care for LPNs
Just like in-home care, facility care has its upsides, too.- Team Support: In a facility setting, you’re surrounded by fellow nurses, aides, doctors, and support staff. Help is just a call away.
- Structured Workflow: Hospitals and nursing homes typically follow strict routines, which can bring comfort and predictability.
- Skill Development: The fast pace of a clinical setting can sharpen your technical skills and broaden your exposure to a wide range of patient cases.
Cons of Facility Care for LPNs
Despite coming with those benefits, some LPNs dislike qualities of facility care, like:- Higher Patient Load: Juggling multiple patients can lead to fatigue and burnout, especially during staffing shortages.
- Shift Demands: Nights, weekends, and holidays are often required in facility care, and overtime isn’t uncommon.
- Less Flexibility: Compared to home care, your schedule and workload are largely dictated by the facility’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LPNs work night shifts in in-home care and facility care?
Yes, depending on the situation. Hospitals and long-term care facilities usually run 24/7, so night shifts are more common in those settings, but some home care programs may also need 24/7 care workers.Do I need continuing education to keep my license?
Most states require some form of ongoing education or periodic license renewal. Check with your state board for exact details.How do I become an RN as an LPN?
For LPNs, there are specific bridge programs to help you transition your career. Many LPNs go on to become RNs, gaining more responsibilities and a higher salary.
Contact BrightStar Care of Louisville!
Whether you’re interested in transitioning to in-home care or are hoping to advance your career through new opportunities, we’d love to connect with you about how our team can welcome more LPNs like you!BrightStar Care of Louisville is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is located at 406 Blankenbaker Parkway, Ste G, Louisville, KY, 40243. You may also call us at 502-893-4700. We look forward to hearing from you!