What Does LPN Mean in Medical Terms?

LPN stands for licensed practical nurse. Licensed nurse working under registered nurse supervision.

licensed practical nurse

Licensed nurse working under registered nurse supervision.

Where you will see LPN

You will most often see LPN in nursing notes, care plans and handovers.

Example

A chart note might use “LPN” as shorthand for licensed practical nurse when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.