Nursing Activities and Job Satisfaction of the Licensed Practical Nurse Workforce in New Jersey

Abstract

Background Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are important members of the nursing workforce in the United States, particularly in long-term care and home care settings. A previous qualitative study found LPNs have expanded their role, yet detailed information about the nursing activities performed by LPNs is lacking in New Jersey (NJ). Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe current nursing activities and job satisfaction of LPNs in NJ and to determine whether there is a difference in the nursing activities and job satisfaction of LPNs working in nursing homes and those working in other settings. Methods For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, LPNs who had email addresses listed with the NJ Board of Nursing were sent a survey about their nursing activities and job satisfaction. Results The 804 LPNs who completed the survey were representative of the NJ LPN workforce. The top nursing activities that LPNs performed daily were documenting, providing basic nursing care, checking vital signs, and administering medications. LPNs working in nursing homes also identified supervising unlicensed assistive personnel as an additional top nursing activity. Many LPNs also reported independently performing comprehensive and focused assessments and formulating care plans. Compared with LPNs working in other settings, LPNs working in nursing homes had less job satisfaction. Conclusion Our findings reveal that LPN scope of practice has increased, and some LPNs are functioning beyond their scope of practice. With a shared agenda, nurse leaders in practice, academe, trade organizations, and regulatory bodies should convene to discuss and ensure a clear understanding of the LPN role and scope of practice. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are important members of the nursing workforce in the United States, particularly in long-term care and home care settings. A previous qualitative study found LPNs have expanded their role, yet detailed information about the nursing activities performed by LPNs is lacking in New Jersey (NJ). The purpose of this study was to describe current nursing activities and job satisfaction of LPNs in NJ and to determine whether there is a difference in the nursing activities and job satisfaction of LPNs working in nursing homes and those working in other settings. For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, LPNs who had email addresses listed with the NJ Board of Nursing were sent a survey about their nursing activities and job satisfaction. The 804 LPNs who completed the survey were representative of the NJ LPN workforce. The top nursing activities that LPNs performed daily were documenting, providing basic nursing care, checking vital signs, and administering medications. LPNs working in nursing homes also identified supervising unlicensed assistive personnel as an additional top nursing activity. Many LPNs also reported independently performing comprehensive and focused assessments and formulating care plans. Compared with LPNs working in other settings, LPNs working in nursing homes had less job satisfaction. Our findings reveal that LPN scope of practice has increased, and some LPNs are functioning beyond their scope of practice. With a shared agenda, nurse leaders in practice, academe, trade organizations, and regulatory bodies should convene to discuss and ensure a clear understanding of the LPN role and scope of practice.