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Synonyms

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:

The first batch of 200 students will graduate in 2029 with their licensed practical nurse credentials and be eligible to work right away at Ballad, earning $23 an hour.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2025

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

John is a pilot and Abbie is a licensed practical nurse.

From Fox News ● Dec. 7, 2021

It is of the first importance, however, to be assured that the "practical nurse" is neat and appreciates the necessity of keeping everything about the patient scrupulously clean.

From The Prospective Mother, a Handbook for Women During Pregnancy by J. Morris (Josiah Morris) Slemons

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