Licensed Practical Nurse Employment

Answer 1

The field of nursing is a sure bet for those who are seeking job security and good pay. Licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, physician's offices, long-term care facilities, and other health care settings. Licensed practical nurses are valued members of the health care team. The perform tasks such as giving medications, injections, developing care plans and documenting information is patient records. Licensed practical nurses of LPNs work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. LPNs in long-term care facilities may serve as supervisors to less experienced LPNs and certified nursing assistants.

The course of study for a licensed practical nurse involves the study of English, math, psychology, sociology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and pharmacology. Additionally students take courses related to the nursing area, including nursing skills, report writing, and other course work related to nursing care. In addition to the classroom requirements, licensed practical nursing graduates must also complete a clinical rotation. The clinical rotation allows students to gain hands-on practical experience with tasks they will be expected to perform on the job.

Licensed practical nurse graduates must sit for the licensing examination in their states. Upon receiving a satisfactory score on the exam, the graduate is eligible to wear the title licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse, as it is called in some states. Like other health care professionals, licensed practical nurses are expected to take continuing education workshops or courses to keep current with changes and emerging health care issues.

The job outlook for licensed practical nurses is excellent. This is largely due to the aging of baby boomers, and technologies that have increased the average lifespan for older adults. Community health centers, long-term care centers, and home health care organizations that serve older adults are in need of nursing professionals to meet their unique needs. LPNs can meet that need. The pay for licensed practical nurses is very good. Most can earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year depending on the location, with an average salary of around $35,000 per year. According the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, the need for licensed practical nurses will continue to grow.