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 is a freelance
writer who writes about business, education and Marketing.
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