LPN Career

Many people, both men and women alike, start out their medical career as a nursing assistant before deciding to further their education by seeking their own education in nursing. An LPN career, or Licensed Practical Nurse, is a satisfying occupation for anyone wishing to participate in the care of the sick or elderly patient. The job may be demanding at times, but the rewards are many.

What is an LPN?

An LPN is a licensed nurse who has many duties to carry out. He or she works directly under the supervision of the doctor or a registered nurse during the course of a day. For those who have an interest in working in the medical field, but don’t have the time or the finances to pursue a career over a period of years, a career as an LPN may be the right choice.

LPN Job Duties

The LPN has several responsibilities to the patients under his or her care. This can include anything from taking a medical history, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds and all other direct patient care. Patients who have serious medical conditions are carefully monitored by the LPN who, in turn, reports directly to their supervisor. This also includes after care for patients who have had surgery.

LPN Skills

An LPN must be compassionate and attuned to the needs of the patient under his or her care, and must also be able to handle the stress of a job that encompasses much pain and suffering. An LPN has to be in top physical shape because the job is often demanding and exhausting, and importantly, anyone in an LPN occupation must be flexible to the hours of work which may change without notice if they are needed in an emergency.

LPN Education

An LPN education requires the student to complete one year of education at an accredited school, where he or she will be trained in areas of clinical education, and will be required to participate in classroom training. Once the year long training is finished, the potential LPN student will have to take, and pass, the NCLEX-PN, an exam required to obtain the license to practice in their state.

LPN Salary

The annual salary for a practicing LPN will depend on where he or she chooses to practice, and whether they have any experience. LPN´s who have worked as a certified nurse aide prior to this will have a better chance of earning more money. Typically, the average annual salary for an LPN ranges from $28,000 to $50,000, with the lower end being less experienced, and the higher amount being aimed toward those with the most experience.

LPN Job Outlook

The job outlook for anyone choosing an LPN career is extremely good, and is expected to rise as opportunities increase. There is a definite shortage of nursing staff at any given time in all areas and locations, so job possibilities are available in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and nursing homes. Licensed professionals are in need in all aspects of the medical field, so choosing to be an LPN is a good career decision as more and more opportunities arise.

A career in the nursing field and the LPN category in particular, can be one of the most rewarding experiences for anyone who has compassion and a genuine care for the people under their care. As the number of patients increase due to population, the demand for LPNs in the 21st century is expected to increase significantly.