Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to supply patients with basic medical care. Many new nurses start as LPNs to gain nursing experience before advancing their career with an associate’s degree (ASN) or bachelor’s degree (BSN) with a good amount of licensed practical nurse salaries. Licensed practical nurses perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of an RN or physician. Due to the ageing population, there is a growing need for licensed licensed practical nurse and their duties in long-term care, like rehabilitation centres, residential treatment centres, and hospitals.
licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – educational qualification
Education: Diploma in Practical Nursing (DPN)
Required Certifications: Must pass the NCLEX-PN exam
The amount of your time it’ll take you to finish your LPN certification depends on the program you select. There are accelerated programs that can help you get your certification in just 7 months. However, most of the people finish the program in 1-2 years, counting on what number of credit hours they will take.
Steps to get your Licensed practical nurse certification
- You must have already earned your high school diploma before you’ll apply for an LPN program.
- Most vocational and community colleges offer LPN programs. It must be accepted by an accredited program.
- Once you have successfully completed the certification program, you will need to apply for Authorization to Take the Test through your local board of nursing and with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
- After you have been authorized to take the exam, you will need to register and schedule your NCFLEX-PN exam.
- There are test sites located all over the country, but venues tend to fill up quickly, so you’ll want to start the scheduling process as soon as possible.
- When you sign up for an appointment, keep in mind that you’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to study.
- If you take the test, you will be able to see your results in as little as 48 hours. If you passed the exam, the official results will be mailed to you and your State Board of Nursing will also mail you your license.
- Finally, you can start applying for jobs and start your career as an LPN.
licensed practical nurse salaries afters job
| STATE | SALARIES |
| Alaska | $30.70 per hour or $63,850 annually |
| Massachusetts | $29.01 per hour or $60,340 annually |
| California | $28.96 per hour or $60,240 annually |
| Rhode Island | $28.78 per hour or $59,860 annually |
| Nevada | $28.11 per hour or $58,470 annually |
The lowest paying state is West Virginia with a salary of $18.03 per hour or $37,500 annually.
The average annual salary for an LPN is $48,820 as of 2020 as per the BLS. However, nurses in certain areas can earn more than $50,000. Those numbers don’t include bonuses, overtime, vacation pay and other benefits. Certain facilities may even offer financial aid if you decide to continue your education. All of these different benefits are something to consider while looking for the right job.
Advantage Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Advantage
One reason becoming an LPN is a beautiful career option is that the profession is forecast to experience double-digit growth within the coming years. Some experts put the growth rate as high as 25%.
Instead of acquiring a lot of student loan debt, nurses can quickly complete a degree and start making money. Once they start working, they may choose to continue their education and take on additional responsibilities to earn more money and have access to additional career opportunities.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – job description
LPNs are essential for hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and other health care facilities. They also work with individuals to provide individual private care. As a neighbourhood of their daily routine, LPNs serve medical care to patients which can range from feeding and bathing to checking vital signs and administering medications.
LPNs are often the first point of contact for patients’ relatives and are in charge of explaining procedures and care programs.
LPNS interact with RNs, physicians, patients, and their families, it’s important that they need strong communication skills and are ready to convey important information effectively and compassionately. A good way to go to bed is part of providing care and reassuring patients.