subject: Lpn's At Work [print this page] LPN's (licensed practical nurses) provide a large portion of direct patient care. LPN's may by assisted by nurses' aides (CNA's) and other assistants in some of their duties. LPN's are directed by doctors and nurses (RN's and nurse managers). Typically an LPN's work duties include the following:
Taking vital signs
Preparing and administering injections, medications, and enemas
Applying dressings and bandages
Treating bedsores
Insertion of catheters
Providing back rubs
Monitoring patients and reporting changes
Collecting samples for testing
Providing patient hygiene
Feeding patients
Monitoring food and liquid intake and output
LPN's work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, home care, and long term care facilities. Tenured LPN's may supervise nursing aides and assistants.
In order to become an LPN, one must possess either a high school diploma or GED. One can complete the LPN training program in as little as 1 year to 2 years, in either a One also needs to pass the NCLEX-PN certificate examination to become licensed.
As a licensed practical nurse in the United States, one can earn up to $36,118 (25th percentile), $39,772 (median), and $43,535 (75th percentile). One's pay can be dramatically affected by compensable factors such as employer size, industry, employee credentials, years of experience, and others. LPN's can also continue their studies to become a registered nurse, as many nursing colleges offer specialized LPN-to-RN degree programs.
