LPN Salary
Do you love to help care for others when they are sick or disabled? If so, a career as a licensed practical nurse may be exactly what you are looking for. Here you will provide bedside care and record vital signs or assist with basic grooming tasks for patients who are unable to take these tasks on themselves.
Many LPNs collect samples for laboratory testing, monitor medications and treatments and maintain medical equipment. Duties will vary depending on which state the LPN works in as well as the employment setting. The lpn salary reflects the duties that one must undertake when pursuing this career.
LPN Salary
The median annual wage of a licensed practical nurse as of May 2008 was $39,030. This depends in part on where you choose to obtain employment. Those who worked in employment services had a median annual wage of $44,690 for this same time period while those who work in a physician’s office had a median annual wage of $35,020. All need to be considered before you pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse as you want a job that you enjoy and that pays you a decent lpn salary.
Licensed Practical Nurse Training and Education
In order to become an LPN, you must complete a program in practical nursing which has been approved by the state in which you reside. This program typically takes one year to complete and may be offered by community colleges and/or vocational schools. The State board of nursing maintains a list of approved programs so this is where you should your search for an educational program. Classroom study and supervised patient care are required as part of approved programs and many topics will be covered ranging from anatomy to first aid.
LPN License
In order to obtain an LPN license, you must complete the National Council Licensure Examination, often referred to as the NCLEX-PN. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing not only developed this test, but they also administer it. Four major Clients Needs categories are covered on this computer-based exam and your state will determine what you must do to become eligible to sit for the exam. If you wish to specialize in a particular field such as pharmacology or gerontology, you may need to complete more coursework. Again this will depend on the requirements of the state in which you reside.
Job Growth Outlook For Licensed Practical Nurses
Job growth outlook for LPN’s is expected to be quite fast. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPN jobs are expected to grow by 21% between 2008-2018. This is much faster than average when compared to other jobs in the U.S.
Because of the increasing age of the population, jobs in nursing are experiencing tremendous growth. Specifically openings in nursing facilities and home healthcare services will experience the fastest growth because of the increasing delivery of health services in areas outside of hospitals. Licensed nurses will be used more and more in these external health areas.
This really is a fantastic career path for anyone interested in health and who love working with people. Be sure to do some further research online into specific requirements in your particular state. Good luck!
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