The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is an invaluable part of the healthcare team.
In fact, it has been estimated that LPNs provide more than 35% of all long-term care in the United States.
An LPN can provide direct patient care by performing tasks such as checking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting doctors during examinations.
They also educate patients about their illnesses and how to manage their own health problems.
If you're ready to take your career in a new direction, get ready for some good news: It's easier than ever before to become an LPN!
Keep reading to discover what it takes to become an LPN and the benefits of pursuing this career path.
We’ll also explore how you can use your LPN training to advance your healthcare career.
With the right dedication and perseverance, you could be on your way to becoming an LPN in no time!
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So are you ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nurse who has completed an accredited nursing program and has gone through the necessary licensing process.
They are qualified to provide primary medical care in healthcare settings under the direction and supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.
An LPN may need to take vital signs, perform basic diagnostic tests, observe patients, administer medications, dress wounds, and more.
Additionally, they may also need to provide emotional support and comfort to their patients.
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is similar to an LPN but often works in different states with different regulations and licensure requirements.
Both LPNs and LVNs play a critical role in providing essential care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
What Does an LPN/LVN Do?
An LPN/LVN is a healthcare professional who provides basic care for patients. They observe and assess the patient's condition, provide treatments and medications as prescribed by a doctor, and assist in diagnostic tests.
They are responsible for performing routine medical tasks such as taking vital signs, administering injections, inserting catheters, collecting samples for testing, and providing wound care.
Additionally, they may help with rehabilitation exercises to promote recovery and provide emotional support to patients and families.
LPNs/LVNs also educate their patients on topics related to their health conditions and offer advice on maintaining or improving their overall well-being.
This vital role ensures that people receive the best possible care while staying in the hospital or being treated by a physician.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Take the following steps to become a licensed practical nurse:
Step 1: Earn a High school diploma or equivalent
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the first step is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
This requirement is an essential part of LPN requirements that must be met before pursuing further education or practical experience.
A high school diploma or GED provides the basic educational foundation to begin exploring the nursing field and can be used as leverage when applying for LPN positions.
While there are many other qualifications necessary to become an LPN, earning a high school diploma or GED is the first and most crucial step in achieving this goal.
Step 2: Complete an accredited LPN program
The second step to becoming an LPN is to enroll in and complete an accredited LPN program. This includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
The programs can often require as little as one year to complete, while others may take up to two years or more, depending on the amount of coursework and clinical hours needed to meet program requirements.
To earn an associate degree in practical nursing, it is usually required by the program that you complete the necessary clinical hours.
Clinical experiences are essential for students to develop their knowledge and skills in patient care.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-PN
Once you have completed the educational requirements for becoming a practical nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-PN.
This is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses that tests your knowledge and skills to obtain licensure as an LPN.
In order to take the NCLEX-PN, you must go through an application process and pay all applicable fees.
Once approved, you can take the necessary steps to prepare for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
This exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, medical terminology, and more.
You must demonstrate your practical nursing knowledge to pass the NCLEX-PN. When you successfully complete this licensure examination for practical nurses, you will be eligible to practice as an LPN.
Step 4: Find an LPN job
The best way to find out about job openings is through state-sponsored websites and job boards.
Some websites also allow you to set up alerts that notify you when new positions become available in your area of interest.
In addition, there are many resources available online that can help guide your search for employment opportunities as an LPN.
One example is the American Nurses Association's job board — which includes listings from across the country (search by location).
Other sites include Indeed and SimplyHired, which both offer free job postings from across the country (search by location).
On-the-Job Training
A. Supervised clinical experience
During your time in an LPN program, you will have the opportunity to work with a registered nurse (RN) or other health professionals.
During this time, you will be able to observe them as they perform their duties and learn from their experience.
You may also be given tasks that require hands-on experience, such as taking blood pressure readings or feeding patients who cannot feed themselves.
B. Learning through hands-on experience
After completing your clinical training, you will enter the workplace, where you will complete more hands-on tasks such as dispensing medications or treating injuries.
You will also be able to practice giving injections and changing bandages on actual patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or another health professional.
These activities allow students to gain confidence in their abilities before entering the workplace after graduation from their nursing program.
C. Professional development opportunities
On-the-job training is a great way to provide employees with the tools and experience they need to succeed in their careers.
This training can often be held for long-term professional development opportunities, providing employees with an opportunity to learn new skills or stay up-to-date on changes within their industry.
On-job training also helps employers ensure that their workforce is knowledgeable and well-prepared, creating a better working environment overall.
Additionally, job training provides a sense of accomplishment and recognition that employees may not otherwise have access to, further contributing to increased workplace satisfaction and engagement.
What’s the typical salary for an LPN?
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is roughly $60,442 annually, which averages out to about $33.67 per hour.
This figure can vary greatly depending on the job and location, as salaries can range from $31,750 up to $87,000 annually.
Salaries are often determined by the nurse's experience, the type of work they do, and where they work.
Generally speaking, LPNs working in metropolitan areas tend to have higher salaries than those working in rural areas.
With that said, there are many different roles an LPN can take on within the healthcare industry, and all come with their own set of responsibilities and salary expectations.
See Also: Which Nurse Makes the Most Money? High Salary Nursing Jobs
How long does it take to become an LPN?
Becoming an LPN requires dedication and hard work. It typically takes one year to become an LPN if you attend a full-time program, though some students may take more or less time depending on their individual situation.
Most LPN programs include classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience in various healthcare settings.
During the academic portion of the program, students study anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, nutrition, and other courses relevant to nursing practice.
Depending on the program, it may take between 8 to 12 months to complete the academic portion of the program.
Following this part of the program, students must then take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed as an LPN. All in all, it usually takes around 12 months from start to finish in order to become an LPN.
Where do Licensed Practical Nurses work?
LPNs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, private doctor offices, home health agencies, and even within schools.
Depending on the setting and job duties, an LPN may provide basic medical care and treatment to sick or injured patients, administer medications or assist doctors with examinations.
Working as an LPN can be both rewarding and challenging, but those with the right attitude and commitment are likely to find success in their job.
With the increasing demand for trained nurses in all medical fields, becoming an LPN is a good starting point for those interested in seeking a career as a nurse.
How to Advance Your LPN Career
1. Go From LPN to RN
If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) looking to advance your career, the best way to do so is by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
To become an RN, you will need to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
This degree will allow you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. Additionally, it will give you access to higher-level roles with greater responsibility and better pay.
Once you have earned your BSN degree, the next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required for all aspiring RNs.
After passing this exam, you can apply for RN licensure in your state and begin practicing as an RN.
2. Go From LPN to NP
Becoming an advanced practice nurse (APN), also known as a nurse practitioner, is a great way to advance your career. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education, training, and clinical experience in primary care or specialty areas of health care.
They diagnose and treat patients, manage complex cases, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans and educate patients on health maintenance issues.
The growing demand for APNs means that many healthcare facilities are seeking to hire them.
In addition to having a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), you must earn a master's degree in nursing with an APN certification and complete additional training.
3. Earn Specialty LPN Certifications
Some states require that you pass a certification exam before working as an LPN in certain specialty areas like oncology or geriatrics.
However, even if your state does not require such exams, it may be worth it for you to pursue them as they can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers several specialty certifications in critical care nursing, including :
Certified Geriatric Nurse (CGN)
Certified Oncology Nurse (CON)
Certified Orthopedic Nurse (CON)
Certified Surgical First Assistant.
The job outlook for LPNs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the number of LPN jobs will grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Additionally, the BLS projects that 58,800 job openings will occur each year during this period.
The growing elderly population and more people with chronic illnesses and disabilities are helping to boost demand for LPNs, according to the BLS.
Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities need more staff members to meet the increasing demands of their services.
What is the Difference Between an LPN and an LVN?
An LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) are both members of the nursing profession who provide basic nursing care to patients.
The primary difference between the two is that an LPN has more education and training than an LVN. An LPN typically holds an Associate's Degree in Nursing, while an LVN holds a Certificate or Diploma in Nursing.
In addition, an LPN has more responsibilities than an LVN and is usually involved in the direct care of patients, such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing general health education.
An LVN may assist in patient care but is not typically responsible for direct patient contact. Both LPNs and LVNs play essential roles in providing quality healthcare services to their patients.
What is the Difference Between LPNs and RNs?
The main difference between an LPN and an RN is the level of education, training, and scope of practice.
An LPN has completed a shorter, practical nursing program and is licensed to provide basic bedside care while working under the supervision of an RN or physician.
An RN has completed a more extended, comprehensive program and is licensed to assess patient needs; develop, implement, and evaluate nursing care plans; administer medications; and provide direct patient care.
In addition, RNs can work in specialized areas such as surgery or intensive care units.
Generally speaking, LPNs often perform most of the day-to-day tasks related to patient care, while RNs are responsible for overseeing the entire process from assessment through discharge.
See Also: Medical Assistant vs Registered Nurse (Differences Explained)
Who gets paid the most, Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses?
When it comes to comparing salaries between Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), RNs typically make more money.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for RNs in 2021 was $77,600 per year, while the median salary for LPNs was $48,070 per year.
While RNs may have a higher salary overall, this does not mean that all RNs will make more than all LPNs; many factors can affect an individual nurse’s salary, such as experience, certifications, location, and employer.
Additionally, an experienced LPN can earn more than a newly graduated RN, depending on their qualifications and experience level.
Ultimately, each individual nurse must decide what works best for them when considering salary expectations.
Is becoming an LPN before RN worth it?
Becoming an LPN before RN is a great way to get your foot in the door of the nursing profession. It can be a great way to gain experience, build relationships with other healthcare professionals, and learn the basics of nursing care.
It’s faster and less expensive than becoming an RN, and many employers will hire LPNs for entry-level positions in the healthcare field.
However, it’s important to remember that there are limitations to being an LPN—you won’t have access to specific career paths or higher-level jobs that require an RN license.
Furthermore, you may find yourself limited in terms of salary and job opportunities if you don’t eventually become an RN as well.
Becoming an LPN before RN is a great way to start off in the nursing field, but it shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for completing the additional education and training needed to become an RN.
Conclusion
All in all, becoming a licensed practical nurse could be one of the best career moves you'll ever make.
As you can see, gaining this new skill opens many doors in all sorts of healthcare settings, and salaries are more lucrative than ever.
Plus, aspiring LPNs have more flexibility than ever before when it comes to deciding which state and program to attend.
Even with all this information at your fingertips, though, you'll still need to perform extensive research into the individual options available to you before choosing your route to licensure.
Ultimately, it will be worth it, but only if you're truly willing to put in the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LPN
1. How long does it take to become an LPN in PA?
It takes 12 months to complete the training and become a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania.
2. Is becoming an LPN difficult?
Becoming an LPN is not necessarily difficult, but it can be challenging. It requires dedication and hard work to complete the necessary education and training.
3. What is the shortest LPN program?
In short, the shortest LPN program is six months. The majority of programs are 8 months, but there are a few accelerated programs that take less time than that.
4. Do you have to be good at math to be an LPN?
Yes, you have to be good at math to be an LPN.
One of the most important things that LPNs do is calculate intake and output, body mass index, glycemic index, ovulation dates or due date of the pregnant patient.
All of these calculations require mathematical skills and knowledge.
