A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is one of several nursing roles along with the registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
LPNs fill an important role in a healthcare team, providing support to RNs, APRNs, and medical doctors by ensuring patients receive the quality care they need.
If you are interested in becoming an LPN or want to learn more about this nursing specialty, keep reading to discover what LPNs do and what their role is in healthcare.
What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
A licensed practical nurse provides basic medical care to ill and injured patients.
LPNs commonly work under the supervision of doctors, RNs, and APRNs and assist them by monitoring patients' health, providing comfort to patients, and documenting patient care.
LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing and residential care facilities make up 35% of all LPN employers.
Other healthcare settings in which LPNs work include hospitals, physician offices, and home healthcare services.
What Are the Top Duties of an LPN?
LPNs have a variety of responsibilities in healthcare settings. However, their primary role is to offer basic care to patients who are sick, injured, disabled, or in recovery.
Here are some of the top duties of LPNs:
- check on patients' health by monitoring their temperature, blood pressure, and other vitals.
- change patients' dressings and bandages.
- assist with baths and other hygiene needs.
- talk to patients about their care and address their concerns.
- keep records of patients' health statuses and document their care.
- share the status of patients with supervising RNs, ARRNs, and doctors.
Other duties of LPNs might vary by work setting. For instance, when working in a hospital, an LPN might assist RNs and doctors with lab testing and collecting samples.
In nursing care facilities, they might be responsible for assisting with hygiene needs and helping patients eat.
How Do LPN and RN Duties Differ?
Licensed practical and registered nurses both provide care in medical settings; however, there are some significant differences in their roles in the healthcare field.
RNs typically have more responsibilities in the workplace than LPNs. In addition to monitoring patients' health, providing basic care, and maintaining records, RNs administer medications, set up plans of care, and operate medical equipment.
RNs are also able to help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results. When patients are discharged, RNs explain how to manage illnesses and discuss at-home treatments.
How Do You Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Individuals who are interested in becoming licensed practical nurses must complete several steps before earning licensure.
Step 1: Gain Admission to an LPN Program
The first step in the process of becoming an LPN is to enroll in a practical nursing diploma program from an approved institution like a community college or technical school.
These programs have coursework through which students learn pharmacology and physiology as well as clinical components like nursing skill lab simulations.
Students also gain real-life experience by working with local healthcare partners. LPN programs typically take one year to complete.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure
Next, students must initiate the process of securing state LPN licensure, which might vary from state to state,
The following are commonly required steps:
- submit an application for licensure by examination.
- complete a criminal background check.
- submit nursing school transcripts.
- pay required fees.
- send proof of U.S. citizenship.
- register for the NCLEX-PN.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-PN
After submitting their application for licensure, students are ready for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
This exam ensures students are prepared to practice as LPNs and covers health promotion, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity, and safe and effective care.
Since practical nursing students are required to pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed nurses, practical nursing programs prepare students to take the exam.
Step 4: Begin Your LPN Career
Once you've passed the NCLEX-PN and have secured LPN licensure, you're all set to begin working as an LPN.
The good news is the outlook for LPNs is positive for years to come. According to the BLS, employment of LPNs is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
LPNs are expected to be needed in home health settings and residential care facilities as a growing number of older patients require healthcare.
There are also plenty of opportunities for advancement for LPNs. Nurses can earn certifications to quality for jobs in gerontology, IV therapy, wound care, and more.
LPNs can also enter an LPN to RN program to become a registered nurse or take additional steps to earn a BSN, MSN, or DNP for further advancement in the field.
How Much Are LPNs Paid?
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for an LPN as of May 2021 was $48,070. However, annual wages vary depending on the industry in which an LPN works:
Here is a breakdown of median annual wages for LPNs from the BLS, as of May 2021:
- government: $52,210
- nursing and residential care facilities: $49,620
- home healthcare services: $48,350
- hospitals (state, local, and private): $47,000
- physician offices: $46,870
These wages are based on full-time pay. It is common for LPNs, like most nurses, to work on holidays, weekends, and overnight on shifts longer than eight hours.
Start Your LPN Career Today
The licensed practical nurse plays an important role in the healthcare industry. If you are interested in becoming an LPN, now is a great time to make your nursing career dreams a reality.
