Licensed Practical Nurse

What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse?

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a person who has completed a state-approved and accredited nursing education program and has been licensed to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

Practical Nurse vs Vocational Nurse: LPN vs LVN

In Texas and California, LPNs are referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). In the rest of the United States LPN is the proper terminology. The job duties for these positions are essentially the same. Both LPNs and LVNs provide basic care to patients under the supervision of physicians or other advanced practice professionals. To qualify for an LPN or LVN position, you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses: Job Responsibilities 

Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in a wide variety of locations within The duties of a Licensed Practical Nurse vary in their basic care duties to some degree per their specific employment setting and situation. They also differ from one state to another per regulations put into place by each state’s Board of Nursing. However, most Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses will be accountable for the following job responsibilities: 

• Monitoring patients’ vital signs 
• Working with nursing staff and patients to execute patient care plans 
• Monitoring and reporting patient status and needs to nurses and physicians 
• Keeping records on patients’ health 
• Cleaning wounds and changing dressings 
• Assisting patients with personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing or feeding 
• Supervising Nursing Assistants and Aides 

In some states, LPNs/LVNs with advanced training may administer medications or start intravenous (IV) drips. They may also, depending upon the state, be charged with duties like collecting samples for lab tests, performing routine lab tests, applying and maintaining catheters, aiding in the delivery and care of infants, taking patient blood pressure, and helping with patient education on health and self-care matters, among other tasks.

Where Can a Practical Nurse Work

Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in a wide variety of locations within the healthcare field. For example, consider these relevant BLS figures from 2023:

• LPNs/LVNs held about 657,000 jobs.
• Largest employer being nursing and residential care facilities—accounting for 35 percent of those jobs.
• Local, state and private hospitals employed 16 percent of LPNs/LVNs.
• 12 percent worked in physicians’ offices.
• Home healthcare services provided 12 percent of LPN/LVN positions
• 6 percent were employed by government.

Other LPN/LVN employment settings include the military, assisted living centers, hospice care facilities and corrections facilities, among others.. 

Career Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses 

People who are thinking of becoming a LPN/LVN can expect a favorable job environment for advancing their career, according to BLS projections. The agency predicts that job growth for this occupation will keep pace with the average for all occupations, with employment for LPNs/LVNs rising by 3 from 2023 to 2033.

Long-term Opportunities in Healthcare

BLS states that factors spurring that growth will include increased demand for healthcare services from the aging baby-boom generation, as well as increasing incidence of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.

Due to these factors, LPNs/LVNs are expected to find growing opportunities in a variety of health care settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Home health care agencies
• Long-term care centers
• Outpatient care clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities
• And more!

LPN Specialties to Consider

BLS also states that job prospects are likely to be most favorable for LPNs/LVNs who are qualified for specialties, such as IV therapy or gerontology, or those who are willing to work in rural areas or in locations that are medically underserved.

Learn How to Set Expectations

While these projections can give career-minded people an idea of the potential of an occupation, it is important to realize that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is intended to provide insight on occupational opportunities. That data is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Neither BLS nor Bryant & Stratton College can guarantee employment in any field.

Talk to us about your career goals so we can help you understand the types of career opportunities may be available in your area.

Additional Training/Requirements

Employer Qualifications

Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse generally means passing a criminal background check and undergoing drug testing. Virtually all healthcare employment settings are required to screen employees for criminal histories and illegal drug use. 

Many employers also require candidates for LPN and LVN positions to be trained and certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Many nursing education programs offer CPR training, or training and certification can be obtained through the American Red Cross. 

Unique Certifications

LPNs and LVNs who wish to work in specialized fields may find that some employers require them to be certified for those specialties. Certifications are earned through professional associations, which generally means meeting the educational and work experience requirements set out by these organizations, then passing an exam administered by them. If you are unsure about the requirements for the career you want, talk to us today. We can help you understand which program and certifications are right for your goals.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Practical Nursing field, please visit the healthcare degree section on the Bryant & Stratton College blog. Exploring our website can also provide further insights on building a successful and rewarding career in the nursing profession.