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Licensed practical nurse vs private duty nurse

The differences between licensed practical nurses and private duty nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a licensed practical nurse and a private duty nurse. Additionally, a private duty nurse has an average salary of $55,518, which is higher than the $52,912 average annual salary of a licensed practical nurse.

The top three skills for a licensed practical nurse include patients, CPR and home health. The most important skills for a private duty nurse are home health, patients, and medication administration.

Licensed practical nurse vs private duty nurse overview

Licensed Practical NursePrivate Duty Nurse
Yearly salary$52,912$55,518
Hourly rate$25.44$26.69
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs614,369256,740
Job satisfaction3.335
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%Associate Degree, 36%
Average age4644
Years of experience22

What does a licensed practical nurse do?

Licensed practical nurses are considered leading front liners in the clinic or hospital setting. They assist nurses and doctors in conducting various activities related to sick or injured patients. Licensed practical nurses are primarily expected to provide routine care for patients and assist registered nurses in creating care plans. They maintain and update medical records, prepare patients for medical examinations, help patients dress, bath, or eat, take vital signs, administer and monitor medicine intake, monitor patients and update nurses and doctors on patient status, and assist during medical examinations.

What does a private duty nurse do?

A private duty nurse is responsible for providing quality health care services for a specific patient's medical needs. Private duty nurses work within a large health care institution or in a private household setting, depending on their scope and availability. They assist the medical staff in administering medications for the patients, conducting medical procedures, evaluating the patients' condition, and reporting progress and any updates to the attending physician for immediate attention. A private duty nurse must be highly attentive, especially on supporting the patient's daily activities and self-care needs.

Licensed practical nurse vs private duty nurse salary

Licensed practical nurses and private duty nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Licensed Practical NursePrivate Duty Nurse
Average salary$52,912$55,518
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $74,000Between $41,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateHawaiiRhode Island
Best paying companyThe CitadelHealth First
Best paying industryHealth CareGovernment

Differences between licensed practical nurse and private duty nurse education

There are a few differences between a licensed practical nurse and a private duty nurse in terms of educational background:

Licensed Practical NursePrivate Duty Nurse
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%Associate Degree, 36%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Licensed practical nurse vs private duty nurse demographics

Here are the differences between licensed practical nurses' and private duty nurses' demographics:

Licensed Practical NursePrivate Duty Nurse
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 11.3% Female, 88.7%Male, 9.6% Female, 90.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 6.5% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage7%9%

Differences between licensed practical nurse and private duty nurse duties and responsibilities

Licensed practical nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage all operational aspects of the organizations open heart program while also serving in the role of APN.
  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Provide nursing care for med/surg patients in the transitional phase of recovery.
  • Work up patients for the Dr, administer allergy testing, mix allergens.
  • Perform emergency medical procedures, such as BLS, ACLS, and other condition stabilizing interventions.
  • Drug screens, phlebotomy wind care education of safety practices communications with treatment facilities as indicated/.
  • Show more

Private duty nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage Ventriculostomies and interpret ICP and CVP readings.
  • Manage patient care monitoring vital signs, performing physical assessment, checking patients medications for effectiveness.
  • Communicate with medicaid, and insurance companies to ensure patients receive appropriate care and payment of procedures and medication.
  • Provide daily assessments, ADL's medication management and any necessary medical treatments.
  • Monitor ventilator and oxygen saturation regularly; offer medication, treatments, and tracheostomy care.
  • Provide care to home bound individuals with tracheostomy, ventilator assistance patients, administration of medications, referrals
  • Show more

Licensed practical nurse vs private duty nurse skills

Common licensed practical nurse skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • CPR, 11%
  • Home Health, 10%
  • Medication Administration, 4%
  • Quality Care, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
Common private duty nurse skills
  • Home Health, 34%
  • Patients, 31%
  • Medication Administration, 3%
  • Hospice Care, 3%
  • Vital Signs, 3%
  • Trach Care, 3%

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