What is Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

Licensed Practical Nurse

The demand for careers in the healthcare industry are increasing rapidly, including the need for licensed practical nurses (LPN). LPNs can work in several different types of medical facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and physician offices. They are also qualified to provide some in-home care services for private clients. If you have considered a career in the health care industry, a LPN may be the perfect choice, because it can allow you to obtain a well-paid job for minimal training.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)What is a LPN?

Your first question is likely to be, what is a LPN? LPN are medical professional that work under the supervision of a RN, BSN, or a medical doctor. Once you receive you LPN license, you will be able to work directly with the patients. You will be asked to perform an array of duties, including recording and monitoring patients vital signs, providing wound care, collecting specimens, recording fluid and food intake, IV starts, cauterization care, finger sticks, and CPR.

As a LPN, you will be responsible for charting and documentation procedures for each patient under your care. It will also be your responsibility to report any changes in your patients’ condition to your supervisors. You may also be required to supervise any CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) who are placed under your supervision. You can expect to spend the majority of your day working directly with the patients and handling various administrative duties.

Practical Nursing ProgramsHow Do I Become a LPN?

If you think that becoming a LPN is the right option for you, your first question may be, how do I become a LPN? The first step is to consider if you have the right skills to be a LPN. These skills include good interpersonal and communication skills, problem solving abilities, patience, and good at multitasking. Now you need to consider what degree does a LPN need. Most LPNs actually receive a diploma versus a degree. A diploma can be obtained by completing an accredited training program that is specifically designed for LPNs.

Each state has its own requirements as to what type of training is accredited, so you need to make sure that you check with your particular state before enrolling. Nearly every program requires that you have your high school diploma or your GED prior to enrolment. Many LPN programs are only one year in length, but some are completed over the course of two years.

This training will include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. After you have completed your LPN training, you will have to pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) licensing exam for your specific state. These tests are held are regular intervals throughout the year. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your LPN license and be ready for employment.

Outlook for a Career as a LPN

LPNs can expect to have an easy time finding employment after graduation. This is because there is a huge demand right now in the medical field for LPNs. In addition, the demand for this career is only expected to increase in the upcoming years. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for LPNs is expected to increase by 25% from now until the year 2020. Not only should you have an easy time finding a job as a LPN, but you should be able to find a well-paying job. The BLS reports that the annual salary for LPNs in 2012 was $41,540.