CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide routine medical care to patients. They work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$46,240
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
36,360
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Description
If you are considering a career in healthcare and want to enter the job field quickly, then a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be a great option. A typical LPN training program can be completed in as little as 1 year.
LPNs work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. LPNs perform many of the same duties as registered nurses (RNs), although RNs typically have a wider scope of practice. LPNs generally work in smaller healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health institutions and rehabilitation centers.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Responsibilities
Licensed practical nurses may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Provide routine medical care such as dressing changes and catheter insertion and care
- Maintain accurate patient records
- Work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses and update them on patient’s status
- Administer and monitor approved medications
- Provide personal hygiene and care
- Collect blood, urine, stool and sputum specimens
- Ostomy care
- Give feedings through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
The actual salary of the licensed practical nurse can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $46,240*
National average per hour: $22.23*
- $49,254 per year, $23.68 per hour **
- $40,893 per year, $19.66 per hour ***
- $43,633 to $53,722 per year ****
- $43,492 per year, $20.91 per hour *****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a licensed practical nurse? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Enter the workforce quickly
- Great career growth
- Flexible work routine
- Daily work varies
- Rewarding to help others
- Abundance of entry-level jobs
- Can transition to a registered nurse with further education
Cons
- Can be physically and mentally challenging
- Daily work can be stressful
- Low pay (when compared to Registered Nurse)
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Many hospitals do not hire LPNs anymore
- Limitations on what nursing duties you can perform
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
If you are considering a career as a licensed practical nurse, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED
- Earn your diploma or certificate from a board-approved LPN program. This typically takes 1 year to complete.
- Become CPR/BLS certified through the American Heart Association.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the licensed practical nurse is at the beginning of the medical career
pathway, but can be preceded by other entry-level jobs. A sample career path could
look like this:
Caregiver > Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) > Registered Nurse (RN)
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Diploma or certificate from a board-approved LPN program
- CPR/BLS certification
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures
- Effective communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Ability to collaborate and work with a team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress
- Compassion
- Ability to build rapport with patients
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certifications
CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) is required:
- BLS, Basic Life Support for healthcare providers
Specialty certifications:
Although a specialty certification is not mandatory, it does show an employer that you are dedicated and passionate about your career. These are the certifications that are available through the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) and the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES).
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licenses
Licensure is required in all states and includes passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Training and Preparation
Once you have completed the LPN training program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). All states require passing this exam in order to become licensed.
Preparing for the NCLEX-PN can be done in many ways. An important first step is to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website and familiarize yourself with the detailed NCLEX-PN test plan. This outline has critical test information.
Flashcards and exam prep books are also great tools to help you organize and prepare. There are a variety of choices available online or in your local bookstore. Online practice tests and question banks are useful as well. If you prefer traditional classroom instruction, visit your State Board of Nursing for review courses in your area.
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