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Occupational nurse vs licensed practical nurse

The differences between occupational nurses and licensed practical nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an occupational nurse and a licensed practical nurse. Additionally, an occupational nurse has an average salary of $71,288, which is higher than the $52,912 average annual salary of a licensed practical nurse.

The top three skills for an occupational nurse include patients, CPR and occupational medicine. The most important skills for a licensed practical nurse are patients, CPR, and home health.

Occupational nurse vs licensed practical nurse overview

Occupational NurseLicensed Practical Nurse
Yearly salary$71,288$52,912
Hourly rate$34.27$25.44
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs69,328614,369
Job satisfaction-3.33
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 40%Associate Degree, 33%
Average age4446
Years of experience22

Occupational nurse vs licensed practical nurse salary

Occupational nurses and licensed practical nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Occupational NurseLicensed Practical Nurse
Average salary$71,288$52,912
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $109,000Between $37,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-The Citadel
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between occupational nurse and licensed practical nurse education

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

Occupational NurseLicensed Practical Nurse
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 40%Associate Degree, 33%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityEmory University

Occupational nurse vs licensed practical nurse demographics

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

Occupational NurseLicensed Practical Nurse
Average age4446
Gender ratioMale, 10.2% Female, 89.8%Male, 11.3% Female, 88.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage9%7%

Differences between occupational nurse and licensed practical nurse duties and responsibilities

Occupational nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage surveillance testing, vaccinations, CPR classes, and clinic facility.
  • Manage all immunization and vaccination programs and ensure compliance to establish program guidelines.
  • Spearhead education of patients pertaining to disease disorders and occupational injuries.
  • Provide emergency treatment for injure patients.
  • Serve as a liaison with ancillary services, including physical therapy, laboratory, research, cardiac rehabilitation and radiology.
  • Complete documents for state fund Medicaid programs, admission into community nursing and group home facilities and other community resources available.
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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/.
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Occupational nurse vs licensed practical nurse skills

Common occupational nurse skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • CPR, 11%
  • Occupational Medicine, 8%
  • Occupational Health, 7%
  • Medication Administration, 6%
  • Direct Patient Care, 6%
Common licensed practical nurse skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • CPR, 11%
  • Home Health, 10%
  • Medication Administration, 4%
  • Quality Care, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%

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