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Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can be the beginning of a rewarding career with ample opportunity for growth. Learn about the job of an LPN, how to become one, and how to excel in the field.
What does an LPN do?
An LPN provides patient care as a member of a team of health care providers. LPNs handle a large share of direct patient care, including planning, implementation, and assessment of nursing care. LPNs are responsible for providing emotional and physical comfort and safety to patients. They measure and record vital signs as well as teach healthy habits to patients. Other duties may include:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs held about 753,600 jobs in 2008, with 25 percent working in hospitals, 28 percent in nursing care facilities, and 12 percent in doctors' offices. LPNs also work in other health care areas, such as clinics, public schools, rehabilitation facilities, and extended care facilities. Other job opportunities can be found in:
The BLS shows salaries for licensed LPNs in 2009 ranged from $28,890 to $55,090, with the mean annual wage at $40,900. The highest levels of employment for LPNs are at nursing care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, and physician offices.
Employment of LPNs is projected to grow much faster than average, with an estimated 21 percent growth between 2008 and 2018. Job prospects should be very good, with the most opportunities in nursing care facilities and home health care services. Growth in the field is due to long-term medical needs of a growing elderly population and a general increase in medical services.
What are the steps to becoming an LPN?
You can become an LPN in about one year, depending on the school and training program. Here's how to become an LPN, step by step:
Once you're a certified LPN, you can look for advancement opportunities. Some hospitals offer LPNs the opportunity to work on IV teams, as treatment or special procedure nurses, and in critical care settings. It's also important to continue your education as some states and employers require continuing education.
How to become a great LPN
Education and certification are just the beginning. To excel in your career as an LPN, there are four important skills and attributes to master:
Once you've completed your education, passed the NCLEX-PN, and started your career as an LPN, you have opened the door to any number of possibilities. Some LPNs eventually go back to school to become a registered nurse (RN) or go even further to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Now that you know how to become an LPN, get started today to enjoy a rewarding career that helps people and offers you enormous growth and opportunity!
Resources for LPNs
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
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