Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 3 Steps
Entering nursing school might not lead you to immediately consider what specific type of nurse you want to become. However, many choose to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
LPNs serve as entry-level nursing professionals capable of performing various nursing roles across multiple settings. As an LPN, there are substantial opportunities for career growth through further education and practical experience.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Who is a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? - What responsibilities do licensed practical nurses have? - In what environments do licensed practical nurses typically work? - What specialties exist within licensed practical nursing? - How to become a licensed practical nurse in three steps? - What additional qualifications are required for licensed practical nurses? - What salaries and job outlooks can licensed practical nurses expect? - How do LPNs differ from LVNs? - Frequently asked questions.
Who is a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A licensed practical nurse is a healthcare professional focused on delivering basic patient care under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses (RNs).
The primary duty of LPNs is to ensure patient comfort, assisting with hygiene and vital needs that patients may struggle to perform independently. While LPNs can administer certain medications, they are not authorized to diagnose conditions or prescribe drugs, working closely under the supervision of RNs.
Essential qualities for a successful licensed practical nurse include compassion, as they often encounter patients in distress and must extend an extra level of care to provide them comfort.
Key skills beneficial for an LPN role involve:
- Effective communication with patients and their families, requiring clear and accurate information sharing. - Collaborating with other healthcare team members, necessitating a cooperative work ethic. - Exhibiting patience and professionalism in all interactions. - Organizing patient documentation and managing various healthcare protocols is also crucial.
What responsibilities do licensed practical nurses have?
Licensed practical nurses form a crucial part of healthcare systems, caring for patients in settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. As an LPN, your role includes providing attentive care for patients recuperating from illnesses, injuries, or nearing end-of-life care.
LPNs often stand as the initial point of contact for both patients and their families, with daily responsibilities that include ensuring comfort and high-quality care.
A typical day in the life of an LPN encompasses tasks such as:
- Applying antiseptics and changing sterile dressings on wounds or surgical incisions. - Assisting surgical teams and providing necessary equipment like gowns and gloves. - Gathering patient specimens and sending them to the lab for analysis. - Monitoring patients' dietary intake to ensure they receive appropriate nutrition and options for specialized diets. - Delivering basic healthcare services tailored to individual patient needs. - Sterilizing equipment necessary for patient care and surgical interventions.
Common health conditions managed by licensed practical nurses span a range of chronic illnesses and recovery scenarios from emergency surgeries.
Where do licensed practical nurses typically work?
One major advantage of pursuing an LPN career is the versatility to work in various healthcare sectors. Notable workplaces for LPNs include:
- Clinics, where they support RNs and nurse practitioners (NPs). - Government healthcare facilities, which employ about 7% of LPNs. - Hospitals, where approximately 14% of LPNs focus on fundamental patient care. - Nursing homes serve as the largest employers for LPNs, with 38% of the workforce in this environment. - Physicians' offices, which employ around 13% of LPNs, often offer consistent scheduling. - Schools, where LPNs assist RNs in providing care for minor health issues in children.
These variety of roles can be customized to align with your interests and professional aspirations in nursing.
What specialties exist within licensed practical nursing?
As an LPN, you have numerous paths to choose from. If you prefer to work with specific populations or in a certain healthcare setting, you can consider specialties such as:
- Emergency rooms - Gerontology - Labor and delivery - Oncology - Pediatrics - Rehabilitation
Exploring closely-related fields might be beneficial if you're uncertain about committing to LPN training right away.
For instance, dental hygienists clean teeth, conduct oral X-rays, and assess for dental conditions. Medical assistants assist with patient care as well as administrative tasks, and occupational therapy assistants aid patients in regaining skills necessary for everyday living.
How do you become an LPN in three steps?
The pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse is clear-cut when following three fundamental steps. These involve educational preparation, acquiring experience, and obtaining licensure.
Step 1 – Obtain an LPN Certificate
Your journey as an LPN begins with completing an accredited LPN educational program, typically lasting 10-12 months, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Be mindful of the prerequisites needed for program admission.
Step 2 – Gain experience
Once you have your LPN license, you can start working in the healthcare field. Broaden your experience by exposing yourself to different healthcare settings, building your career momentum.
Essential skills required include:
- The ability to multitask - Strong bedside manner - Genuine compassion for patients - Organizational abilities
If you are already a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and want to transition into an LPN role, simply follow the steps outlined for becoming an LPN.
Step 3 – Pursue certifications
While not mandatory to practice as an LPN, additional certifications can enhance career opportunities and earning potential. Some desirable certifications for LPNs include:
- Correctional health, which empowers you to work with incarcerated individuals. - Gerontology, focused on elderly patient care across various settings. - IV therapy, permitting initiation of intravenous lines in patients.
What additional qualifications are required for licensed practical nurses?
Licensed practical nurses must remain updated on nursing practices to sustain their credentials. One effective approach is engaging in continuing education units (CEUs) through reputable online resources.
The required number of CEUs can vary by state, so it’s important to verify with your state nursing board regarding license renewal and prerequisites.
What is the LPN salary and employment outlook?
The demand for LPNs is currently strong, with projections estimating a growth rate of approximately 6% from 2021 to 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Salaries for LPNs can differ significantly by state, with a national median annual salary around $51,850. Positions in government healthcare facilities might offer salaries slightly higher than average.
Among the highest-paying states for LPNs are:
- California – $65,140 - New York – $53,750 - Pennsylvania – $51,090 - Texas – $50,220
Job satisfaction reports tend to be positive among LPNs, largely due to lower stress levels and favorable work-life balance.
What’s the difference between an LPN and an LVN?
LPNs and LVNs perform identical functions in the nursing profession, with “LVN” designated in states like California and Texas, while “LPN” is the term used throughout most of the country.
While some states permit LPNs to administer medications, this varies. Regardless, both LPNs and LVNs work under the oversight of RNs or physicians and must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to practice. A transitioning LVN wishing to practice in Texas or California can pursue Licensure By Endorsement, similar to how an LPN would.
Next steps:
To embark on your LPN journey, seek out an accredited nursing certificate program. Additionally, think about advancing to a higher degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can lead to expanded career possibilities and improved earnings. There are various pathways available to achieve a BSN, including first becoming a registered nurse and then following an RN to BSN bridge program.
For personalized advice tailored to your nursing career aspirations, engage with experienced nursing professionals online.
FAQs:
What is a licensed practical nurse? A licensed practical nurse is a medical professional focused on basic patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs.
What is the salary for a licensed practical nurse? The national average salary for an LPN is currently $51,850 annually.
What are the duties of a licensed practical nurse? LPN responsibilities include administering antiseptics, changing sterile dressings, aiding surgical teams, collecting lab specimens, monitoring dietary needs, and delivering personalized patient care.
