Licensed Practical Nursing
Michael Morales | February 28, 2011Are you looking for a career in the nursing field? Licensed Practical Nursing may be an option for you to consider. Researching education needed, employment options, career outlook and salary range are some areas to consider before making your final decision as to your career path.
First of all, you need to understand what an LPN is. LPNs are there to assist patients with everyday routines, such as taking medications, getting baths, monitoring vital signs, using the bathroom, and eating. They are entry level nurses working closely under doctors and RNs supervision. Working in a nursing home, clinics, hospitals, and private and group homes are all places to work as an LPN.
Enrolling in a nursing program requires a high school diploma. The nursing program for an LPN lasts one year. There are many options to choose from for completing your nursing school, including community colleges, online colleges, and vocational colleges. There are roughly 1,200 accredited schools offering the LPN program in the US. After completing the nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) in order to get your nursing license in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Also, you can pursue becoming an RN.
After getting your nursing license, there are lots of options for your employment. You can work in a hospital, in home health care, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, do travel nursing, military nursing, and also work in nursing care facilities. There are many options as an LPN for basic entry level nursing jobs.
The outlook for your career is very impressive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the number of nursing jobs is on the increase. This is due to the increase of patients that are living longer and some are in need of long term care. Other nurses will be retiring and others will be pursuing advancement opportunities. Statistics show that LPNs make anywhere from $31,000 to $57,000 annually, varying from state to state.
If becoming an LPN still sounds like it is a career path for you, all statistics show that it is a lucrative and growing profession. There are plenty of jobs out there and possibility for advancement, while working as an LPN. So while earning a comfortable living, you can always advance in nursing.
Become a Travel Nurse or Emergency Nurse













Recent Comments