Written by: Max Stein
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Careers Licensed Practical Nurses
provide the most amount of direct patient care within the
nursing category of healthcare. If you’re interested in a
healthcare career dealing directly with patients, becoming an
LPN is a rewarding opportunity.
LPN Job Description
LPNs provide a large portion of direct patient care. LPNs may be
assisted by nurses’ aides ( CNAs ) and other assistants in some
of their duties. LPNs are directed by doctors and nurses (RNs &
nurse managers). Typically, a LPN’s work duties include:
Taking vital signs Preparing and administering injections and
enemas Applying dressings and bandages Watching catheters
Treating bedsores Providing alcohol massages or rubs Monitoring
patients and reporting changes Collecting samples for testing
Provide patient hygiene Feeding patients Monitoring food and
liquid input/output
LPNs work in a variety of settings like hospitals, outpatient
facilities, long term care facilities, clinics and home care.
Tenured LPNs may supervise nursing aides and assistants.
Salary Ranges
While nursing jobs in general are in high demand nationwide, LPN
positions in hospitals are declining. However, since this has
been caused by an increase in outpatient services, LPN positions
in long term care facilities and home health is in as much
demand as other nursing categories.
The U.S. Department of Labor has published the median income for
LPNs as $31,440 in 2002. The range was $22,860 to $44,040 based
on geographic location and work experience. Contract LPNs made
the most money, while doctor’s office nurses made the least on
average at $28,710.
A nursing career offers other benefits including a flexible
schedule, a short work week (three 12 hour shifts with four days
off), tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses.
Education / Getting Started
Because of the high level of patient responsibility, nursing is
highly regulated, requiring both education and a license.
Graduates must complete a state approved practical nursing
program and pass a licensing examination. An LPN certificate can
be completed in less than a year. Some RN students become LPNs
after completing their first year of study. Course work in the
LPN program includes anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biology,
chemistry, obstetrics, pediatrics, first aid as well as nursing
classes.
Becoming an LPN is the fastest path to a nursing career.
Advancement can take many forms, but additional education is
usually required.
If you possess the traits necessary to become a successful nurse
and want to secure a well paying, important profession caring
for others, getting an LPN degree in nursing is a great way to
secure your professional future.
About the author:
Max Stein, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
http://www.degreesource.com/articles Max Stein is a freelance
writer who writes about business, education and marketing.
maxstein_9@hotmail.com www.degreesource.com