Licensed Practical Nurse

Duties and Responsibilities: A licensed practical nurse is a nurse who cares for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled. They work under the direction of registered nurses or physicians. Often they provide basic bedside care. Many LPN record patients vital signs such as weight, height, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. They also prepare and give injections. They can help patients bathe, dress, and feed those who need help eating.

Salary: In 2015 the median annual pay for LPN was $43,170, meaning the median hourly pay is 20.76. This number has changed throughout time. Many LPN get paid more now but the education and experience you have in the field also affects this number.

Education: In the United States training programs to become an LPN last about one year and are offered by vocational/technical schools and by community colleges. In order to be eligible for licensure, LPNs must complete a state-approved program. A high school diploma or something equivalent is usually required for acceptance into a training program. You need a post-secondary nondegree award to become a licensed practical nurse.

Demand or need for this Profession: As of 2014 there was a total of 719,900 jobs in the LPN industry. Although there was a projected 10 year growth of %16 in 2014. Meaning now there are more jobs in licensed practical nursing.

Reflection? Would you like to be this? Why? Why not?

I think that i would be interested in this career because you get to help others. You get to help them do simple things in life that they can’t do themselves. The tasks that LPNs do aren’t that hard and they get paid a good amount. So this would be a nice job.