Licensed Practical Nurse

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. They are crucial in ensuring patient comfort and administering essential healthcare services.

Sample job titles:

Charge Nurse, Clinic Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Licensed Practical Nurse.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$55K per year	$62K per year	$73K per year	$80K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?

Work environment

LPNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, private homes, and community health clinics. Their work schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays, as healthcare is a round-the-clock necessity.

Quick task list

Monitors patients' health (e.g., taking blood pressure readings).
Administers basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters.
Provides for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress.
Reports patients' status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors.
Keeps records on patients' health.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Geriatric Nursing: Focusing on elderly patient care.
Pediatric Nursing: Specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
Home Health Nursing: Providing in-home care for patients.
Surgical Nursing: Assisting in operating rooms and providing postoperative care.
Psychiatric Nursing: Caring for patients with mental health issues.

Description

Licensed Practical Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare team, providing essential nursing care and ensuring patient comfort. They work closely with RNs and doctors, following care plans and performing routine tasks. Their role is hands-on, requiring both technical nursing skills and the ability to provide compassionate care.

LPNs must have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients and their families, often serving as a bridge between them and the medical team. They also need to be detail-oriented to accurately monitor and report on patients' conditions.

This career can be both physically and emotionally demanding, as it involves long hours and caring for patients in varying states of health. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant difference in patients' lives and well-being.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing direct care that improves patients' quality of life.
Working as part of a team in a collaborative healthcare environment.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth through varied experiences and continuing education.

You might make a good Licensed Practical Nurse if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic, with a desire to care for others.
Detail-oriented, ensuring accurate and efficient patient care.
Able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively.
Interested in a career in healthcare with opportunities for advancement.
Comfortable working in a team and communicating with diverse individuals.

Pros:

High demand for LPNs, providing job security.
Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings.
Personal fulfillment from helping patients.

Cons:

Physically demanding work, including long periods of standing and lifting.
Emotional challenges in dealing with ill or distressed patients.
Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

How to become a Licensed Practical Nurse

Typical education

Typically, one needs to complete a practical nursing program, which can take about 1 year. After completing the program, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) is required to become licensed.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic human physiology and health.
Health and Wellness classes to learn about healthcare and patient care.
Psychology to gain insight into patient behavior and needs.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, or community health clinics.
Joining health science clubs or organizations.
CPR and First Aid certification courses.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an accredited practical nursing program.
Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations or internships.
Prepare for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.

More resources

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) - Provides resources, news, and advocacy for LPNs.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - Offers information on the NCLEX-PN examination and licensing.
Licensed Practical Nurse Programs Directory - A comprehensive guide to LPN programs and schools.
American Nurses Association (ANA) - Offers a range of resources for nurses, including LPNs.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.