10 Different Healthcare Settings for LPNs

Most LPNs work in nursing homes and residential care facilities. They assist residents with their daily care and medical needs and report findings to the RN or other supervisor. LPNs may delegate some tasks to certified nursing assistants (CNAs), such as checking vital signs and assisting with baths and feeding.

Similar to nursing homes, hospital LPNs also work under close supervision, delegate tasks to CNAs, and assist patients with their daily care and medical needs. But because hospital care is so complex, LPNs in this setting are more limited in their skillset. For example, LPNs can assess patients, but only an RN can perform the initial assessment; also, LPNs cannot administer certain IV medications without special certification.

For LPNs working in home health nursing, patient education is essential. This is because patients and their families must manage their own care when the nurse is away. If an LPN has IV certification, they may administer some IV medications in the home. LPNs in this setting are paid based on the number of patients they see, as opposed to hours worked.

LPNs in this setting work under the supervision of the office’s primary RN and physician. While specific responsibilities vary by practice, some tasks include gathering medical histories, checking vital signs, administering vaccinations, and performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments. Working in a doctor’s office provides a slower-paced environment compared to that of a hospital or clinic.

LPNs employed by the government may work in correctional facilities, Veterans Administration (VA) departments, and military bases, so responsibilities can vary. For example, an LPN working in a jail or prison may pass medications and administer vaccinations, while an LPN at a VA department may solely perform administrative duties. Government facilities provide a variety of LPN career options and offer good benefits, such as financial aid for nursing education.

Under the supervision of a school nurse, LPNs treat minor medical issues (e.g., allergic reactions, cuts and bruises), perform hearing and sight tests, ensure vaccination records are up-to-date, and determine if students need additional care or treatment outside of school.

Most schools do not allow them to fill the role of primary school nurse because they do not hold an RN license. LPNs can work in primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools.

Similar to nurses in physician offices, LPNs working in ambulatory care nursing check vital signs, pass medication, administer vaccinations, and schedule appointments. But responsibilities can vary based on clinic type and specialty. For example, an LPN working at a fertility clinic may educate a couple about family planning, while an LPN at a surgical clinic may gather a medical history from a patient who has a planned surgery.

LPNs working in hospice nursing and palliative care nursing work in clinical facilities, nursing homes, and residential homes, providing care to patients who have incurable medical conditions or are terminally ill. Responsibilities include performing day-to-day bedside care, passing medications, teaching patients and families, and ensuring patients are comfortable and pain-free. This job calls for compassion, communication, and other “soft skills” for nurses.

While most LPNs work in direct patient care environments, some work remotely in roles away from the bedside. These may include virtual coaching, nurse advice lines, remote patient monitoring, and medical record review, among other telehealth nursing roles. Because remote jobs require work with a variety of software programs, LPNs in this setting must be comfortable with technology.

A growing number of LPNs are becoming travel nurses, and their responsibilities depend on the specialty and setting in which they work. For example, an LPN can work as a travel home health nurse, performing home care as any other home care nurse. The primary difference is the traveling aspect of the job and the higher salary. As of September 2025, the top-earning travel LPNs make about $91,000 annually, according to ZipRecruiter.