Become A Licensed Practical Nurse
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Licensed Practical Nurse
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Getting Information
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Repetitive
Stressful
$38,956
Average Salary
What Does A Licensed Practical Nurse Do
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.
DutiesLicensed practical and licensed vocational nurses typically do the following:
- Monitor patients’ health—for example, by checking their blood pressure
- Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
- Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
- Discuss the care they are providing with patients and listen to their concerns
- Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
- Keep records on patients’ health
Duties of LPNs and LVNs vary, depending on their work setting and the state in which they work. For example, they may reinforce teaching done by registered nurses regarding how family members should care for a relative; help to deliver, care for, and feed infants; collect samples for testing and do routine laboratory tests; or feed patients who need help eating.
LPNs and LVNs may be limited to doing certain tasks, depending on the state where they work. For example, in some states, LPNs with proper training can give medication or start intravenous (IV) drips, but in other states LPNs cannot perform these tasks. State regulations also govern the extent to which LPNs and LVNs must be directly supervised. For example, an LPN may provide certain forms of care only with instructions from a registered nurse.
In some states, experienced licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses oversee and direct other LPNs or LVNs and unlicensed medical staff.
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How To Become A Licensed Practical Nurse
Becoming a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse (LPN or LVN) requires completing an approved educational program. LPNs and LVNs also must have a license.
EducationLPNs and LVNs must complete an approved educational program. These programs award a certificate or diploma and typically take about 1 year to complete, but may take longer. They are commonly found in technical schools and community colleges, although some programs may be available in high schools or hospitals.
Practical nursing programs combine classroom learning in subjects such as nursing, biology, and pharmacology. All programs also include supervised clinical experience.
Contact state boards of nursing for lists of approved programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAfter completing a state-approved educational program, prospective LPNs and LVNs can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). In all states, they must pass the exam to get a license and work as an LPN or LVN. For more information on the NCLEX-PN examination and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
LPNs and LVNs may choose to become certified through professional associations in areas such as gerontology and IV therapy. Certifications show that an LPN or LVN has an advanced level of knowledge about a specific subject.
In addition, employers may prefer to hire candidates who are trained to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Important QualitiesCompassion. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses must be empathetic and caring toward the people they serve.
Detail oriented. LPNs and LVNs need to be responsible and detail oriented, because they must make sure that patients get the correct care at the right time.
Interpersonal skills. Interacting with patients and other healthcare providers is a big part of their jobs, so LPNs and LVNs need good interpersonal skills.
Patience. Dealing with sick and injured people may be stressful. LPNs and LVNs should be patient, so they can cope with any stress that stems from providing care to these patients.
Physical stamina. LPNs and LVNs should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as bending over patients for a long time.
Speaking skills. It is important that LPNs and LVNs be able to communicate effectively. For example, they may need to relay information about a patient’s current condition to a registered nurse.
AdvancementWith experience, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses may advance to supervisory positions. Some LPNs and LVNs advance to other healthcare occupations. For example, an LPN may complete a LPN to RN education program to become a registered nurse.
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Licensed Practical Nurse jobs
Licensed Practical Nurse Career Paths
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Licensed Practical Nurse 6.0 years
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Registered Nurse 5.7 years
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Registered Nurse Charge Nurse 4.4 years
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Senior Licensed Practical Nurse 4.4 years
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Registered Nurse Nurse Manager 4.3 years
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Head Nurse 4.1 years
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Senior Registered Nurse 4.0 years
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Registered Nursing Assistant 3.6 years
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Nurse Coordinator 3.4 years
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Clinic Registered Nurse 3.4 years
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Registered Nurse Supervisor 3.3 years
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Registered Health Nurse 3.3 years
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Pediatric Nurse 3.2 years
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Licensed Nursing Assistant 3.2 years
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Licensed Practical Nurse/Supervisor 3.2 years
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Nurse 3.1 years
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Field Nurse 3.0 years
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Private Duty Nurse 2.9 years
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Practical Nurse 2.9 years
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Home Care Nurse 2.7 years
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Progressive Care Nurse 2.7 years
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Home Health Nurse 2.7 years
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Registered Nurse Field Nurse 2.7 years
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Burn Center Nurse 2.4 years
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Registered Nurse Unit Manager 2.3 years
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Registered Nurse PRN 2.3 years
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Nurse Technician 2.2 years
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Registered Nurse 11.9%
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Medical Assistant 7.4%
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Nurse 6.2%
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Home Health Aid 5.3%
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Staff Nurse 3.7%
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Cashier 3.3%
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Home Health Nurse 2.6%
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Office Manager 2.3%
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Sales Associate 2.1%
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Phlebotomist 2.1%
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Unit Secretary 2.1%
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Student Nurse 2.1%
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Assistant Manager 1.9%
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Registered Nurse 40.0%
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Nurse 7.7%
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Staff Nurse 7.2%
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Home Health Nurse 3.6%
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Nursing Director 2.9%
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Case Manager 2.7%
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Private Duty Nurse 2.5%
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Nurse Manager 2.3%
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Nurse Case Manager 2.2%
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School Nurse 1.9%
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Career Manager 1.5%
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Career Coordinator 1.4%
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MDS Coordinator 1.3%
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Home Health Aid 1.3%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Licensed Practical Nurse
Top Careers After Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse Demographics
Gender
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Female
87.4% -
Male
11.1% -
Unknown
1.5%
Ethnicity
-
White
81.2% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.2% -
Asian
6.4% -
Unknown
1.4% -
Black or African American
0.8%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
71.3% -
French
8.3% -
Tagalog
3.9% -
Portuguese
2.4% -
Russian
2.2% -
Hindi
1.5% -
German
1.5% -
Korean
1.1% -
Chinese
1.0% -
Dakota
0.9% -
Vietnamese
0.8% -
Italian
0.7% -
Japanese
0.7% -
Polish
0.7% -
Hmong
0.6% -
Urdu
0.5% -
Thai
0.5% -
Filipino
0.5% -
Mandarin
0.5% -
Swedish
0.4%
Licensed Practical Nurse
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Licensed Practical Nurse Education
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Excelsior College
15.0% -
University of Phoenix
12.1% -
Grand Canyon University
7.8% -
ECPI University
6.5% -
Walden University
5.9% -
Indiana State University
5.1% -
Galen College of Nursing
4.7% -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
4.7% -
Hinds Community College
4.7% -
Kaplan University
4.5% -
University of Texas at Arlington
3.8% -
South Texas College
3.1% -
Tyler Junior College
3.1% -
Weber State University
3.0% -
Navarro College
2.9% -
Rasmussen College
2.8% -
Indiana Wesleyan University
2.6% -
South Plains College
2.6% -
South University
2.5% -
Medical Career Institute
2.5% -
Nursing 75.5%
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Nursing Assistants 7.7%
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Business 2.1%
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Education 1.1%
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General Studies 1.1%
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Psychology 1.0%
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Clinical Psychology 1.0%
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Nursing Science 1.0%
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Liberal Arts 0.6%
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Medical Technician 0.6%
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Management 0.5%
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Biology 0.4%
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Criminal Justice 0.4%
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Public Health 0.3%
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Social Work 0.3%
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Other
26.1% -
Associate
20.1% -
License
18.4% -
Bachelors
12.8% -
Diploma
8.6% -
Certificate
8.0% -
Masters
5.5% -
Doctorate
0.6%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Licensed Practical Nurse
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | St. Jude Home Health Corporation | Downey, CA | Apr 07, 2010 | $58,436 - $66,784 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | St. Jude Home Health Corporation | Downey, CA | May 31, 2012 | $58,240 - $66,560 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | Oakgrove Spring Care Center | Oakland, CA | Sep 09, 2010 | $57,205 |
| Rn/Lvn Supervisor | Trisun Healthcare LLC | Austin, TX | Oct 01, 2010 | $54,554 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Edgewater Convalescent Hospital, Inc. | Long Beach, CA | Dec 17, 2010 | $54,262 |
| Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurse | The Center at Parkwest | CA | Jan 27, 2011 | $53,331 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | United Staffing Registry DBA United Home Care | NY | Nov 27, 2009 | $52,175 |
| Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses | Young Tigers Inc. DBA Total Care Home Health Agenc | Riverside, CA | Dec 29, 2010 | $52,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Oak Park, LLC | Perth Amboy, NJ | Nov 17, 2011 | $52,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Oak Park LLC | Perth Amboy, NJ | Sep 15, 2012 | $52,000 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Edna Rojas Inc. | Anaheim, CA | Mar 08, 2013 | $51,132 - $27 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Healthcare Staffing Consulting LLC DBA Cedar Hill Healthcare Center | Cedar Grove, NJ | Sep 02, 2011 | $50,482 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | Bestcare Nursing & Residential Services, Inc. | Pikesville, MD | Feb 15, 2008 | $49,963 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | National Mentor Management Inc. DBA Care Meridian | Silverado Resort, CA | Jul 12, 2010 | $43,284 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Union Plaza Nursing Home, Inc. | NY | Aug 13, 2014 | $43,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Hebrew Homes of South Beach, Inc. | Miami Beach, FL | Jan 11, 2010 | $42,095 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | Holiday Manor Care Center | Parksdale, CA | May 04, 2009 | $41,740 |
| Licensed Practical Vocational Nurses | Pro Source Rehab, Inc. | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | Jan 22, 2009 | $41,740 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Chandler Convalescent Hospital | CA | Nov 13, 2009 | $41,740 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | South Fork Healthcare LLC | Los Angeles, CA | Feb 24, 2011 | $41,698 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Annex Healthcare Providers Inc. | CA | Aug 05, 2013 | $41,698 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | Ensign Montgomery LLC DBA Park View Gardens | Santa Rosa, CA | Feb 12, 2008 | $38,088 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Professional Placement & Recruitment Inc. | NY | Dec 02, 2009 | $37,963 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Community Extended Care Hospital | Montclair, CA | Jun 27, 2008 | $37,566 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Regent Care Center of San Antonio III, LP DBA | San Antonio, TX | Nov 27, 2007 | $36,941 |
| Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses | United Care Provider, Incorporated | Baldwin Park, CA | Mar 01, 2010 | $36,689 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | Miracle Home Health Care, Inc. | Los Angeles, CA | Feb 06, 2016 | $36,566 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | Annex Healthcare Providers, Inc. | CA | Mar 11, 2016 | $36,566 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | Simi Valley Care Center | Simi Valley, CA | Dec 20, 2007 | $36,523 |
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Top Skills for A Licensed Practical Nurse
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Top Licensed Practical Nurse Skills
- Wound Care
- Vital Signs
- CNA
- Administered medications, performed wound care, breathing treatments, bladder scans, and tube feedings.
- Obtain past medical and surgical history, family history, social history, and vital signs.
- Trained and managed 3-4 CNA's and achieved significant improvements in their productivity.
- Worked in a small Emergency room, was LPN/tech.
- Coordinated with Doctors and Registered nurses to develop care plans for patients.
Top Licensed Practical Nurse Employers
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Licensed Practical Nurse Videos
Role of Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta, Canada
LPN Salary Job Overview | Income of a Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Career Video from drkit.org