Your training and certification as a practical nurse qualify you to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. With such a diverse lineup of possible options, it’s only natural to wonder where best to apply your skills and expertise after training.

If you’re leaning towards working in traditional hospitals, let’s explore some hospital units you can work in after practical nurse training. Specifically, we will discuss acute care, emergency care, and rehabilitation units, which offer unique challenges and opportunities for practical nurses to develop their skills and knowledge. Read on for more!

1. Work In an Acute Care Unit After Practical Nurse Training

Acute care units are hospital units that provide short-term medical treatment for patients with severe or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. These units are typically fast-paced, and nurses are responsible for monitoring and managing patients’ conditions closely. Patients in acute care units may have various conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory distress, and infectious diseases.

Working in a hospital’s acute care unit after practical nurse training, you will be responsible for providing basic patient care, such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities like bathing and dressing. You may also assist with procedures such as blood draws, wound care, and catheterization.

2. Work Under Pressure in an Emergency Care Unit

Emergency care units are hospital units that provide immediate medical attention to patients with acute medical conditions or injuries. Drawing on their experiences and training in nursing school, practical nurses in emergency care units respond quickly to rapidly changing patient conditions and communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team. Patients in emergency care units may have a variety of conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, trauma, and respiratory distress.

Part of your responsibilities as a practical nurse in an emergency care unit include providing initial patient assessments, administering medications, and assisting with procedures such as intubation and chest compressions. You may also be responsible for communicating with family members and providing emotional support to patients and their loved ones.

3. Find Work in a Rehabilitation Unit

Rehabilitation units are hospital units that provide long-term care to patients who require physical or occupational therapy to recover from illness or injury. Patients in rehabilitation units may have conditions such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or strokes. The goal of rehabilitation units is to help patients regain function and independence so they can return to their normal daily activities.

As a practical nurse in a rehabilitation unit, you will be responsible for monitoring and managing patients’ conditions, assisting with therapy sessions, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. You may also be responsible for helping patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

In a nutshell, there are several hospital units where your skills and knowledge can be applied after completing practical nurse training. Acute care, emergency care, and rehabilitation units are just a few examples. Each hospital unit presents its unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development as a practical nurse. No matter which unit you choose to work in, it is essential to continue to learn and grow as a healthcare professional.

Do you want to become a practical nurse?

Contact Discovery Community College to learn how you can get started.