Salary: Between 28,830 - 40,670 for LPN's as of 2004
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are a vital part of the health care system and participate in a variety of different work settings. They perform duties that may include giving injections, taking vital signs, performing basic diagnostic tests, observing patients, dressing wounds, and administering medication. They also assist patients in daily living activities such as eating, dressing, exercising, and bathing. LPNs usually work under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, and/or dentists. Additional training is available to allow LPNs to care for patients in specialized areas such as pediatrics, surgery/recovery, obstetrics, and psychiatry. Licensed practical nurses are often responsible for observing patients, recording their reactions to medications and treatments, and reporting the results to the registered nurse or physician in charge. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse should be intelligent, tactful, caring, and possess sound judgment. These skills, along with good health and physical stamina, are very important in this line of work. LPNs should also have a sincere interest in people and be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with them.
Licensed Practical Nurses work in various health care facilities that include hospitals, nursing homes, dental offices, mental health institutions, private homes, community health clinics, and public health departments.
Most practical nursing programs last about 1 year and include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical practice usually is in a hospital, but sometimes includes other settings.