July 30, 2025

When you think about the people who keep Canada’s healthcare system running, doctors and surgeons might come to mind first. But behind every successful medical team, there’s a group of dedicated professionals providing hands-on care, keeping communication flowing, and making sure patients feel seen, heard, and supported. One of those essential roles is the Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. If you’ve ever wondered what practical nurses do on a day-to-day basis or if you’re thinking how you can train to become one through CDI College’s Practical Nursing program. This guide will break it all down, from administering medication to providing emotional support, LPNs are the heartbeat of patient care. 

So, What Do Licensed Practical Nurses Do? 

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a regulated healthcare professional who delivers vital care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and doctors. Their role blends clinical responsibilities with compassion and clear communication. Here’s the key: LPNs don’t just assist they actively contribute to healthcare delivery. Their work directly impacts patient recovery, safety, and overall experience. Let’s take a closer look at what LPNs do in real-world healthcare environments. 

Bonus Read: What is a Licensed Practical Nurse? 

1. They Monitor and Assess Patient Health 

One of the core duties of an LPN is to monitor a patient’s condition on an ongoing basis. This means: 
 

• Checking and recording vital signs (like blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration) 
• Observing behavioural or physical changes 
• Tracking symptoms and response to treatments 
• Reporting concerns or irregularities to RNs or physicians 

 
Because LPNs spend so much time directly with patients, they’re often the first to notice signs of improvement or signs that something isn’t right. 

2. They Administer Medications and Treatments 

LPNs are trained and authorized to handle various medical procedures, including: 
 

• Administering prescribed medications 
• Changing wound dressings and providing wound care 
• Giving injections or vaccines 
• Inserting or caring for catheters 
• Assisting with IV therapy (in some provinces) 
   

Their ability to deliver treatments safely and accurately makes them indispensable in both acute care and long-term care settings. 

3. They Provide Personal and Comfort Care 

Beyond the medical tasks, LPNs play a huge role in helping patients with daily activities especially those who are elderly, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic illness. This includes: 
 

• Helping with bathing, grooming, and toileting 
• Assisting with feeding and mobility 
• Positioning patients to prevent bedsores 
• Supporting patients emotionally through tough moments 
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LPNs often become the most familiar face in a patient’s daily routine, offering comfort, encouragement, and a sense of stability. 

4. They Educate Patients and Families 

LPNs don’t just deliver care they teach others how to deliver it too. Whether it’s walking a family through wound care instructions or showing a patient how to manage their medication at home, education is a big part of the job. Clear, patient-friendly communication is key. LPNs help patients and their loved ones understand medical instructions and feel confident about next steps in care. 

5. They Document Everything Accurately 

In healthcare, documentation is more than just paperwork, it’s a legal and medical necessity. LPNs are responsible for keeping accurate, up-to-date records that reflect: 
 

• Patient conditions 
• Treatments provided 
• Medications administered 
• Reactions or changes in status 
• Communication with family and team members 
   

These records are critical for continuity of care, especially when multiple providers are involved. 

6. They Work in a Wide Range of Environments 

LPNs are incredibly adaptable. You’ll find them in: 
 

• Hospitals – Assisting in surgery recovery, emergency care, maternity, and internal medicine 
• Long-term care homes – Supporting elderly residents with daily needs and chronic conditions 
• Community health centres – Promoting public health and preventive care 
• Medical clinics – Assisting doctors with exams, procedures, and follow-up care 
• Home healthcare – Caring for patients in their own homes, offering one-on-one support 
• Public schools – Supporting students with medical needs throughout the school day 
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Wherever care is needed, LPNs are ready to provide it. 

7. They Support the Entire Healthcare Team 

Healthcare is a team sport, and LPNs are central players. They collaborate with: 
 

• Registered Nurses (RNs) 
• Physicians and specialists 
• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists 
• Social workers and case managers 
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LPNs are often the communication bridge between the patient and the care team. They ensure that everyone has the information they need to make timely, informed decisions. 

8. They Offer Consistency and Trust 

In long-term care and home care especially, patients often see the same LPN every day. This continuity builds trust, improves care outcomes, and brings a sense of stability to patients navigating serious health challenges. It also allows LPNs to develop deep, meaningful relationships with those they care for a powerful part of the job. 

Bonus Read: How to Become Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada 
 

Launch Your Career with CDI College’s Practical Nursing Program 

The Practical Nursing Diploma program at CDI College is designed to help students build the clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence needed to become Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada. 

What You’ll Learn: 
 

• Anatomy and physiology 
• Pharmacology and medication administration 
• Nursing ethics and professional communication 
• Mental health and maternal-child nursing 
• Hands-on skills in modern training labs 
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Real-World Experience: 
 

• 475 hours of clinical practice 
• 180-hour preceptorship in healthcare settings 
• Guidance from experienced instructors who’ve worked in the field 
   

Why Choose CDI? 
 

• Recognized by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) 
• 92% pass rate on the REx-PN exam (2023, CDI Surrey campus) 
• Small class sizes and personalized support 
• Career services available post-graduation 
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Whether you want to work in a hospital, long-term care home, or community clinic, CDI’s program prepares you to enter the workforce as a confident and capable LPN. 

Final Thoughts 

So, what do licensed practical nurses do? They monitor health, deliver treatments, offer comfort, educate families, document care, support the team, and build patient trust. In short, LPNs make the healthcare system work. It’s a career filled with purpose, connection, and opportunity. If you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming an LPN, CDI College’s Practical Nursing program is the perfect place to begin. Start today. Apply now and become the healthcare professional Canada needs.