During Nurses Week, UMMAP is proud to shine a light on a group of dedicated professionals who often work behind the scenes yet play a vital role in patient care—our Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

At Michigan Medicine, LPNs are one of the backbones of day-to-day operations across the health system. Whether delivering one-on-one patient care, administering infusions, coordinating lab work, managing results, or ensuring follow-through on complex treatment plans—LPNs are there. They handle everything from medication refills and DME orders to enteral feeding supplies and patient education, often being the calm voice on the phone that helps a patient determine the urgency and level of care they need.

You’ll find our LPNs in ambulatory care centers, acute units like cardiology, in remote processing roles, and within administrative operations. These humble, Swiss Army knives are phlebotomists, schedulers, coordinators, and—most importantly—nurses. More often than not, they’re the quiet glue that holds a care team together. Despite their smaller numbers compared to other groups, their impact is immeasurable.

Contrary to outdated misconceptions, our LPNs are among the most skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals in the state. They serve as critical resources for RNs, NPs, PAs, and physicians alike—consistently bridging gaps and ensuring continuity of care.

This week, if you cross paths with an LPN, take a moment to offer a sincere thank you. A few kind words can go a long way—but in case you’re wondering, they’re also known to appreciate chocolate, good food, high-end bourbon, vacation homes, exotic cars, and basically anything else that says, “We see you.”

Because too often, they go unseen.

Let’s change that—starting now.

Josh Macabobby – LPN at the Brighton Health Center & UMMAP Steward