A licensed practical nurse (LPN), in much of the United States and Canada, is a nurse who cares for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled. In the United States, LPNs work under the direction of physicians. In Canada, LPNs/RPNs work autonomously similar to the Registered Nurse in providing care and are responsible for their individual actions and practice. In California and Texas, such a nurse is referred to as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).