Nurse (Licensed Practical)

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Work Tasks

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES, (LPNs) help in caring for the sick, injured, and other patients, directed by doctors and registered nurses. They provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They prepare and give injections, apply dressings, give alcohol rubs and massages, apply ice packs and hot water bottles, monitor catheters, and give cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They collect blood and other samples from patients for testing. They help feed and bathe patients. They observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications and treatments to physicians.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $42,500 average per year ($20.50 per hour)
• A large occupation (730,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.1% per year)

Entry Requirements

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES (LPN) must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which lasts about a year. A high school diploma is usually required for entry. Hospitals, trade, technical, or vocational schools, community colleges, and colleges and universities offer programs. All states require LPNs to pass a licensing exam after completing the program. Classroom study includes basic nursing and patient-care related subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, administration of drugs, and nutrition.