Licensed Practical Nursing - A Forgotten Profession?

While the word "nursing" is most often associated in people's minds with the registered

nurses the regularly encounter in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices, another category of nurses actually has more direct contact with patients on a day to day basis. In fact, if you are interested in a job in the nursing field, and want to have the most interaction with patients that you can, then you might want to look into pursuing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. More commonly referred to as LPNs, these health care workers are in high demand in facilities designed for long-term care, and in the area of home health care.

LPNs are responsible for such nursing tasks as monitoring patients' conditions, taking their vital signs, and assisting with feedings. They also help to prepare injections, collects blood and urine samples, manage bandages, and administer enemas - as well as a host of other tasks that constitute basic patient care. Together with nurse's aides and other assistants, these nursing professionals guarantee patient hygiene and comfort throughout the course of medical treatment. LPNs are most often supervised by registered nurses and doctors.

The nursing industry is subject to a high level of regulation, and has stringent requirements for its members. LPNs are required to obtain licensing by participating in a program for practical nursing, and then passing a state licensing exam. Classes required for LPN certification include anatomy, nutrition, chemistry, physiology, and many others. Because the certification process for LPNs can often be completed within a year, many nursing students pursuing their RN degree opt to obtain their LPN license as soon as they have finished their first year of school. This enables them to begin earning money as a nurse while they continue their education to become a registered nurse.

Within the nursing industry, LPNs enjoy a median salary of more than $30,000 a year. For those who are continuing their education in hopes of becoming an RN, that compensation is welcome indeed. For many who aspire to no higher level of nursing, it is often a source of irritation. Though the educational requirements - and thus the educational expenses - associated with becoming an LPN are far lower than those necessary to obtain a degree as an RN, many feel that the work load alone justifies a higher salary. There are, however, advanced opportunities for LPNs as well. Licensed practical nurses with tenure often find themselves in great demand for supervisory positions that offer higher compensation.

Like other career paths in the nursing profession, licensed practical nursing provides the opportunity for a flexible work schedule, as well as reimbursement for educational costs and continuing education in some cases. If you have considered a career as an RN, you should know that many RNs began their careers in nursing as LPNs. Regardless of whether you view a career as a licensed practical nurse as an end in itself or as a stepping stone to a degree in registered nursing, there are opportunities awaiting you in this challenging profession.

by: Karen Williams

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