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practical nurse

American  

noun

  1. a person who has not graduated from an accredited school of nursing but whose vocation is caring for the sick.


Etymology

Origin of practical nurse

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“We don’t really have to worry about getting our bills paid,” says licensed practical nurse Miranda Mammen.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 4, 2026

She now lives in Petersburg, Va., and is working at a hospital as a licensed practical nurse.

From Washington Post Jan. 1, 2023

She spent her adult years working as an X-ray technician, a licensed practical nurse, a motel clerk and a nurse’s aide for older people.

From New York Times Jun. 24, 2022

The hourly salary for a licensed practical nurse at Eastern is $32.36, according to state job postings.

From Seattle Times May 28, 2022

She liked the work better than sewing, and upon her release she persuaded several doctors to recommend her as a practical nurse.

From Emma Goldman Biographical Sketch by Madison, Charles Allan

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