LPNs, or licensed practical nurses, are an important part of a patient’s care circle. Their primary duty is to provide basic patient health care and assist doctors and other nurses in administering a patient’s care plan. Given the high degree of patient contact inherent in the nursing profession, LPNs must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. LPNs act as an important communication point between the doctor, the patient, and the patient’s family. To be successful, nurses must also have sufficient critical thinking and decision making skills, and have the ability to work well in high-pressure environments.
Job outlook for licensed practical nurses remains excellent and is expected to grow six percent between 2021 and 2031, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. General demand for healthcare is expected to rise as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age and the number of available nurses decreases as aging workers exit the workforce. In addition, the prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases like diabetes, obesity, and dementia continues to increase in developed Western nations, like the United States, and will require larger support from the healthcare industry. As such, for those prospective students interested in becoming a nurse, pursuing a career as an LPN is a smart and rewarding choice.
Educational requirements for LPNs are also typically more affordable and easier to complete than those for other nursing professions. Diploma programs can be completed in as little as 12 months. In 2021, the median wage for a licensed practical nurse was approximately $48,000 per year. Average salary fluctuates based on experience level and industry. Jobs in government and nursing homes typically pay the most, while jobs at doctor’s offices pay the least.
Where do LPNs work?
Given the strong demand for licensed practical nurses, these professionals work in a variety of healthcare settings. Many LPNs work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and hospice care centers. Some LPNs are also hired to provide private nursing services for individuals that are homebound. Other LPNs may work in their communities by providing care and education to underserved populations. If an LPN does not wish to work directly with patients, they often can use their transferrable skills to work in other job fields such as medical coding and billing, insurance, and medical transcription. Overall, due to the increased need for patient care and the important services LPNs provide, they are in demand in many healthcare settings and as such experience attractive employment prospects and adequate opportunities for career growth.
Job Duties of an LPN
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are a key member of a patient’s care team–they support doctors, other nurses, and the wider care team by providing basic care for patients. Duties of an LPN include:
- Take vital signs and blood pressure
- Perform blood draws for laboratory tests
- Place IV lines and catheters
- Feed, dress, and bathe patients,
- Change bandages and dress wounds
- Dispense medication to the patient
- Clean and sterilize medical equipment
- Act as a communication point for patients
- Advocate for patients to doctors and the wider care team
- Keep doctors, other nurses, and care team updated on patient’s condition and progress
- Maintain patient medical records
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