A vital function that licensed practical nurses (LPNs) play in both the healthcare system and society at large. An LPN is a healthcare provider who helps patients who may have a handicap, disease, accident, or mental health issue by giving them basic bedside care. Being an LPN requires you to have empathy, care for others, be able to handle stress, and be willing to assist those who are unable to assist themselves. As a result, these people are extraordinarily resilient and the backbone of civilization.
The career path of an LPN has numerous benefits. If you’re debating whether or not to get your nursing license, you could be considering other paths, like becoming a registered nurse (RN).
First of all, compared to certain others, you can enter the workforce much more quickly. The completion of a professional nursing degree might take up to four years. In contrast, practical nursing degrees that lead to a career as an LPN can be finished in as little as 12 months. This implies that you have the chance to gain more experience and exposure in the workforce for a further three years, contingent upon the course you choose to study.
LPN Salary Average
Generally speaking, you would want to be certain that you could find employment in the field after graduation before committing to any kind of schooling.There are hundreds of entry-level positions available for people with little to no experience, which is good news for individuals who want to become licensed practical nurses. organically, while you work, your ambitions in life will also organically change. You have the option to become a registered nurse if that’s your ultimate goal! It takes 12 to 18 months to finish programs that help people go from LPN to RN. Many programs are available online, as well as on the weekends and in the evenings, so you can easily fit sessions into your schedule! Ultimately, one of the main reasons why people decide to take the risk and follow through is money.
RNs typically make over $70,000 per year, whereas LPNs typically make around $50,000. Thus, you can absolutely take that bridge if you decide to do so in the future!
How Do You Become an LPN and What Does It Take to Become One?
What is an LPN, though, beyond what we covered in our previous lesson? An LPN is tasked with giving patients bedside care, as was previously mentioned. Measuring a patient’s vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, is a regular task for an LPN. Together with documenting the patient’s medical history, they will also describe any irregularities or responses to their diet, prescription drugs, or other treatments.
LPNs help with fundamental functions like eating, walking, bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed, and other difficult tasks in addition to these areas.
Moreover, LPNs may obtain and secure test samples in addition to provide direct patient care in order to learn more about their patients’ health. In addition, they can cater to the needs of the newborns or children of their patients and counsel family members on how to give the person(s) they are helping with basic care.
Naturally, there’s more to becoming an LPN than merely showing up for work every day. It should be within your power to handle both the mental and physical aspects of the work.LPNs can assist patients with bathing and dressing, walking and standing for extended periods of time, lifting and moving patients, and feeding patients. LPNs must be aware of potential workplace risks when working in an area where bacteria or diseases may be present, just like many other healthcare professionals.
Most people who want to become LPNs can get their license and start working in the industry in one to two years.Prior to enrolling in an LPN program, students need to be of legal age and have obtained their G.E.D. or diploma. Additionally, they might need to complete prerequisite courses in math and English, developmental psychology, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and developmental psychology. Students will learn about fundamental patient care throughout the program.Before becoming a qualified LPN, individuals must additionally pass their state’s NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses).
Why Do Individuals Decide to Become Nurses?
There are several reasons why people decide to become nurses, but the most common one is the desire to truly change the world and assist others. The ability to establish such a personal connection with patients is one of the most fulfilling components of a nursing job. Being there for individuals in their hour of need is one of the greatest things you can do, even though you will likely meet them under extremely trying circumstances. As a result, you will get to know your patients very well and have the chance to play a hugely significant part in their life.
Being a nurse might be difficult, but one of the finest sensations you can have is knowing that you have improved someone’s life.
In addition, there are a wide range of career options in the nursing sector, so there’s always something fresh to learn if you decide to change careers later on. Thus, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals interested in nursing to advance their education and personal development. In addition to being flexible in their work, nurses can still positively influence patients while pursuing other interests. Being aware that you are actively changing things for the better is the most fulfilling feeling of all.
Options for an LPN Career
LPNs can pick from a wide range of employment opportunities in a variety of settings, allowing them to focus on the patient types or types of care that most interest them. In addition to remote work, travel nurse positions are becoming more and more common. LPNs are employed by insurance firms to handle and evaluate claims.
One of the most typical settings for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to work is in a nursing home. In these settings, LPNs help nurse practitioners, RNs, or doctors in addition to giving patients’ direct care. Hospitals are the second most prevalent employment location for LPNs, employing 14% of all LPNs.
In addition to helping patients with everyday tasks, they may also implant intravenous lines and catheters, give medication, and reinforce patient education.
There are lots of LPN jobs available in schools for people who prefer dealing with kids or young people. These LPNs assist in communicating with patients’ families and collaborate with school nurses or other clinicians. One benefit of being a school nurse is that, in addition to having summers off, most of the work involves tending to children with minor illnesses or accidents. However, treating children who have suffered severe injuries can occasionally be emotionally taxing.
With thousands of positions available right now and more every day, there are a lot of opportunities for LPNs all over the world. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are becoming interested in per diem nursing positions, which allow you to work “as-needed.” With our PRN healthcare staffing app, you may also discover a plethora of work opportunities by collaborating with NursaTM. Today, find the ideal career for you!
FAQs
What are your job duties as a LPN?
Taking and keeping track of patients’ vital signs is a common task for LPNs.
- helping patients dress, eat, and take a shower.
- giving out prescription drugs.
- notifying nurses, doctors, and family members of any changes in a patient’s behavior or health.
- keeping precise medical records.
What job pays LPN the most?
Lucrative Positions for LPNs
- LVN LPN. Pay range: $60,000 to $84,500 annually.
- LVN. Annual salary range: $55,000–$74,000.
- LPN and RN. Pay range: $54,500 to $74,000 annually.
- LPN Exclusive Purpose. Pay range: $50,000 to $66,000 annually.
- Salary range for Clinic Lpn: $42,000 to $60,500 annually.
Who makes the most RN or LPN?
RNs typically make more money than LPNs because of their more demanding educational backgrounds and greater levels of responsibility. The average yearly pay for LPNs was $48,070, and for RNs it was $77,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2021. See our Nursing Salary Guide for more information.
