WHY SHOULD I BECOME A PRACTICAL NURSE?  JOBS? CAREER?

PRACTICAL NURSE CAREER OUTLOOK

Licensed Practical Nurse's provide vital basic care to patients in a variety of healthcare environments, including physicians’ offices, clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospice agencies, and home healthcare settings. Functions of a Practical Nurse include:

​​

• Monitor a patient's health by checking vital signs

​

• Administer prescribed medications

​

• Administer Wound Care And Insert Catheters

​

• Provide patient comfort care, such as helping them bathe or dress

• Report a patient’s medical status to the registered nurse and/or physician

​

• Maintain health records

​

• Interact with patients' families

​

• Collect patient specimens

Future OUTLOOK

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for Practical Nurses is expected to grow 16 percent by 2024. The average growth rate for all occupations is 7%, and the job growth for PNs is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Why? As the health care needs of baby boomers increase, and an increase in chronic conditions occurs, the demand for LPNs is expected to rise in turn. The average wage for Practical Nurses is $46,240 per year, approximately $22.23 per hour. For more information about Practical Nurses, visit www.bls.gov.

Summary

​

Quick Facts: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

• 2018 Median Pay: $46,240 per year $22.23 per hour

• Typical Entry-Level Education:  Postsecondary nondegree award

• Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None

• On-the-job Training: None

• Number of Jobs, 2018:  728,900

• Job Outlook, 2018-2028: 11% (Much faster than average)

• Employment Change, 2018-2028:100

​

What Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Do

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care.

​

Work Environment

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses work in many settings, including nursing homes and extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Most work full time.

​

How to Become a Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses must complete a state-approved educational program,

which typically takes about 1 year to complete. They must be licensed.

​

Pay

The median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $46,240 in May 2018.

​

Job Outlook

Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in-home health environments to care for older patients.