Job Description
The role of a Licensed Practical Nurse as a healthcare practitioner includes the organization and management of patient care based on the unique needs of each patient. LPNs examine patients and take vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, while recording their medical history and physical ailments.
An ideal candidate would have to possess prior experience of delivering a wide range of basic care to people in need while staying patient, compassionate, and composed. It’s a difficult job, but one that pays off handsomely.
Licensed Practical Nurses’ Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of Licensed Practical Nurses, as of May 2021, stood at $48,070, or $23.11 per hour on average.
From 2020 to 2030, employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is expected to expand at a rate of 9%, which is approximately average for all occupations.
An average of 60,700 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are expected over the next ten years. Many of those positions are projected to become available as a result of the need to replace people who change occupations or leave the workforce for other reasons, such as retirement.
For instance,
- A Licensed Practical Nurse who can provide patient health care and education in the general care hospital unit is needed at the Settegast Health Center, Harris Health System, Houston, TX.
- DocGo have LPN Jobs available for individuals interested in joining their mobile workforce of thousands of full-time traveling employees.
- The Mission Healthcare Family of Firms is a set of companies that invest in people who are passionate about making a difference in other people’s lives. They provide competitive benefits to help aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses advance their careers, improve their health, and secure their future.
Training and Requirements
Practical nurses must be licensed in all 50 states. The practical nursing National Council Licensure Examination is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) (NCLEX-PN). While the standards for license eligibility vary by state, most states require completion of an authorized training program before taking the licensure test.
LPNs can earn two optional certificates from the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Services, Inc. (NAPNES) (www.napnes.org). Nurses might specialize in pharmacology or long-term care. To receive NAPNES accreditation, those who are interested must pass an examination.
There are two practical nursing certificates offered by the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) (www.nflpn.org). IV therapy and gerontology certifications are both offered. An application and associated costs must be filed prior to taking the exam. The NFLPN certification is valid for two years.
Some certificate and degree programs in practical nursing incorporate seminars as part of the curriculum. These courses cover the duties of practical nurses as well as the fundamental skills required to work in this sector. For example, NAPNES and NFLPN offer continuing education seminars, workshops, and conferences to help nurses meet their recertification requirements.
To achieve the required certification, licensed practical nurses must normally finish an authorized or state-approved practical nursing program. Those who are already LPNs may go on to obtain further degrees.
