Licensed Practical Nurse Overview

The fastest growing segment of the population is those over the age of 80.The aging of the baby boomer generation in America is increasing the demand for health care and subsequently the demand for qualified nurses. In fact, according to a 2002 study by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, there will be an estimated shortage of 800,000 nurses over the course of the next 10 years. Those with the proper nursing skills and nursing degrees are likely to be the first to get the best and most in-demand jobs.

While the jobs are there for the taking, opportunities are best for those with a certification and/or a degree. An entry-level position in the nursing field is a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) (also known as licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs). LPNs usually provide basic care, like taking temperatures and monitoring blood pressure and pulse, preparing and administering injections, monitoring catheters, changing and checking dressings, and treating bedsores. They monitor patients and report any reactions to medicines, and they also collect samples for testing.In addition to providing routine bedside care, LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors offices and clinics, they also may make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. LPNs who work in private homes may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.

Work Environment

It is important to understand the day-to-day work environment for Licensed Practical Nurses before you attempt to enter the field. Like most professions, a majority of 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. The work environment for LPNs can be stressful and tiresome at times, but the benefits of caring for patients and family can be extremely rewarding. If you are ready for a rewarding career, the first step is to identify the right education program to help you make it happen.

Career Opportunities & Salary Expectations

Although overall employment of LPNs is expected to grow as fast as most occupations through 2014, there will be a decline in hospital jobs for LPNs because of increased competition and advances in technology. Sophisticated procedures once performed only in hospitals are being performed in physicians offices and in outpatient care centers.In contrast, 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. Overall, there is great job potential in the health care and nursing fields, which makes it a great field to enter.
If you are interested in entering the health care industry and applying for an LPN position, it is required in all states to pass a licensing exam upon completion of a State-approved practical or vocational nursing program. A high school diploma or GED is required to gain entry into training, which usually lasts about one year.

In addition to job growth opportunities, it is important to understand the salary potential for LPNs. The median annual earnings of licensed practical nurses were $33,970 in May 2004, according to the US Department of Labor. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,830 and $40,670. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,270.

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