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Nursing: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Meet Jeremy …

After graduating from high school, Jeremy wanted a job in a growing field with room for advancement. The following fall, he enrolled in a one-year program at a local community college to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Jeremy works in a team setting under the supervision of physicians, registered nurses and other health professionals.

An LPN’s job description varies a lot, depending on where he or she works. Generally, the job requires more scientific knowledge and higher skill levels than those of a nurse assistant, but less than those of a registered nurse. As an LPN, some of Jeremy’s responsibilities might include giving injections, changing dressings, measuring blood pressure and administering prescribed medications. “As an LPN, you’re the front line of patient care. A lot depends on you,” Jeremy says.

Depending on the setting, LPNs may also administer enemas and douches, carry out catheterization and perform routine laboratory procedures such as urinalysis. They may answer patients’ calls, observe patients and report any changes of condition to supervisory staff. They could supply patients with ice bags and hot water bottles and give massages or alcohol rubs as directed. Occasionally, LPNs make beds and clean rooms.

An LPN also provides significant emotional support to patients and their families. According to Jeremy, an LPN also needs strong interpersonal skills. “You spend a lot of your day interacting with patients — so you have to enjoy working with people. But it’s that interaction with the patients that makes my job so rewarding.”

Career Q and A …

Q: What would I earn?
A: The average annual salary for a licensed practical nurse in the Pittsburgh region is about $30,000. Salary level tends to be higher for people with more education and experience.

Becoming an LPN gives you many career advancement opportunities. With some experience in the field and just one more year of school, you can become a registered nurse (RN), a position with more responsibilities and a higher salary.

Q: Where would I work?
A: LPN’s have several options for employment, including doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, public health agencies and nursing homes. LPNs working in hospitals often concentrate in specific patient care areas, including surgical nursing, intensive care, labor and delivery, pediatrics, emergency and surgery recovery rooms.

Q: What kind of training would I need?
A: To become an LPN, you must complete an accredited LPN program. These programs are usually based in a hospital, secondary vocational center or community college. Your training program will likely combine academic study with clinical experience, and last from twelve to eighteen months. To enter these programs, you need a high school diploma and excellent math and reading skills. You can improve your chances of admission by taking and doing well in biology, chemistry, health and computer science courses in high school.

To practice nursing, you have to pass a certification exam, called the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses, and then you have to apply for a license from the state where you want to work.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at a glance...

Training Locations
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