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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic bedside care for the sick, injured and convalescent, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Working directly with patients, LPNs are responsible for a wide range of duties including giving injections, taking vital signs, performing basic diagnostic tests, dressing wounds, and administering medication. Some LPNs specialize in pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics or psychiatry.  LPN Workplaces LPNs work in various health care facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, mental health institutions, private homes, community health clinics, and public health departments. Licensed Practical Nurse Education & Training In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you'll need to graduate from an accredited LPN program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination. LPN programs usually include one year of training at a hospital, vocational technical school or community college. Coursework covers biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, emergency medical technology, first aid, physical education, foods and nutrition, child growth and development, in addition to supervised clinical practice in patient care. LPN to RN Licensed practical nurses often transition into registered nursing. You can go back to the technical school or community college for another year and earn an associate's degree, which will qualify you to become a Registered Nurse after taking the NCLEX exam in your state. A second way is to enter an LPN to Baccalaureate program. Some colleges have special programs which will allow you to get credit for some of your prior courses, and then go on to earn a BSN degree and RN. These are called LPN-to-BSN Programs. LPN Licensing To earn an LPN license, you must pass a state administered nursing examination, called the NCLEX-PN. To qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, you must first complete a LPN/LVN education program that is approved by your state's Board of Nursing. LPN Salary Range Depending on work environment (i.e., hospital, private medical office, or nursing home), licensed practical nurses earn salaries of $31,208 to $41,617 annually.* *Statistics courtesy of www.PayScale.com. |
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