Quote:
“An LPN spends more time with the patient—patient care and patient interaction, that’s what I like.” –Nursing Student
Definition of Profession:
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides nursing care under the direction of an RN, physician, or other authorized health care provider.
About the Field:
Training lasting about 1 year is available in about 1,200 State-approved programs, mostly in vocational or technical schools. Applicants for jobs in hospitals may face competition as the number of hospital jobs for licensed practical nurses declines; however, rapid employment growth is projected in other health care industries, with the best job opportunities occurring in nursing care facilities and in home health care services. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently.
How To Get There:
An LPN has graduated from high school and completed an approved practical nursing program of at least nine months (or two semesters).To be licensed as a licensed practical nurse in New York State you must be of good moral character, at least 17 years of age and hold a high school degree or equivalent. Individuals interested in a career as a licensed practical nurse should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, algebra, psychology, first aid, physical education, foods and nutrition, child growth and development, health occupations/medical professions, computer skills, English, geometry, and history.
Students entering a practical nursing program must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. An applicant must complete an accredited program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for licensed practical nurses. Programs include classroom as well as supervised clinical practice in patient care. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
On The Job:
Licensed Practical Nurses administer medications as directed by a physician and provide bedside nursing care, including services requiring sterile techniques. LPNs observe, measure, record, and report indications of patient health status. Some LPNs also perform more specialized tasks, such as IV therapy.
Lifestyle:
Most licensed practical nurses in hospitals and nursing care facilities work a 40-hour week, but because patients need round-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, and holidays. They often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk.
LPNs may face hazards from caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis. They are subject to back injuries when moving patients and shock from electrical equipment. They often must deal with the stress of heavy workloads. In addition, the patients they care for may be confused, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative.
State of the Art:
Employment opportunities for licensed practical nurses are expected to be excellent in the years to come. There is an expected growth of 10%-20% through the year 2010 for this area of nursing. Nursing schools are graduating far more LPNs than they have in the past in order to keep up with the demand in the job market. As with most other professions, the need to replace current employees will continue to be the main source of job openings. The growing elderly population, which requires more care from trained personnel, and the general growth of health care will also cause this job market to expand. Another area of exceptional growth for LPNs will be in nursing homes. Long-term care of elderly patients will be an increasing concern to the nation’s health care system.
Salary Range:
The average annual salary for a licensed practical nurse ranges from $24,300 to $37,600, depending on experience and training.
Tools of the Trade:
Stethescope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Microscope
You are:
• commited to life-long learning
• good communication skills
• work well under pressure
• like to teach and counsel
• knowledgeable about own limitations
Related Professions:
Registered Professional Nursing
Nurse Practitioner
