What will I do in this job?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nursed. LPNs work in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
If you choose to be a LPN, you will:
- observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments
- give injections and start IVs
- collect samples from patients for testing
- perform routine laboratory tests
- record fluid intake and output
- help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- keep them comfortable and care for their emotional needs
- In some States they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids
- treat bedsores
- prepare and give injections and enemas
- apply dressings
- give alcohol rubs and massages
- apply ice packs and hot water bottles
- insert catheters
In a nursing home setting, nurses:
- provide routine bedside care
- help evaluate residents’ needs
- develop care plans
- supervise the care provided by nursing aides
In a clinic setting, nurses:
- record patient vitals
- give injections
- make appointments
- collect specimens
- perform laboratory tests
- maintain patient records
- make referral appointments with specialists
- phone in prescriptions as authorized by the physician
LPNs should have a caring, sympathetic nature. You should be emotionally stable because work with the sick and injured can be stressful. As part of a health care team, you must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision.
Will I need a special license?
If you wish to pursue a career as an LPN, you will need a State License.
What type of education will I need?
Completion of a State-approved practical nursing program, which are usually 1 year in length.
Will I find a job?
Employment of LPNs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2006. Employment in nursing homes and home health agencies is expected to grow faster than the average.
How much will I make?
Median Salary: $35,881 (Ranges from $34,000- $39,000)
(2000-2003)
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