Follow along to explore the top 5 career paths for licensed practical nurses.
A common misconception exists that licensed practical nurses (LPN) work primarily at nursing homes or hospitals. Though nursing homes and hospitals do staff LPNs, those are not the only two places LPNs can work. One of the main benefits of being a licensed practical nurse is that your career allows you to choose a nursing patch from a variety of opportunities. Whether you are an LPN that is entering the workforce for the first time, or you are a long-time LPN that is looking to change their work environment after years of serving in the same location, an LPN can move through different opportunities while on their career path.
There is an increasing need for nurses and that is not expected to change anytime soon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs are expected to continue to be in high demand with a 9% growth rate over the next 8 years, which is a much higher percentage growth than many other fields.
LPNs Can Work in Hospitals
Hospitals are the second largest employer of LPNs, accounting for 18% of all LPN jobs last year. Working in a hospital setting as an LPN is exciting and fast-paced. You can work anywhere in the hospital as an LPN such as the Emergency Room, surgery, or even labor and delivery. Hospitals are an incredible route for LPNs who are looking to gain knowledge and take on advanced duties over time. According to the BLS, hospitals are expected to add approximately 826,000 jobs and 0are the fourth-highest paying industry for this occupation, which is something to keep in mind as you discover where you want to take your career path.
Within hospital walls, licensed practical nurses are expected to talk to patients about their health concerns, as well as monitor and record information about their status and overall wellbeing before and after surgical procedures take place. LPNs are also to supervise nursing aides that work at the hospital and assist with many advanced nursing practices while under the supervision of a doctor, nurse or surgeon. LPNs can also be responsible for recording patients’ medical history, taking and recording vital signs, observing a patient’s response to treatment, administering injections and medications, cleaning and dressing wounds, collecting samples for lab testing, and assisting patients with daily activities such as eating and bathing.
Physicians’ Offices or Clinics are Great for LPNs
When an LPN works in a physician’s office or clinic, there are many benefits including regular working hours and often a slower pace. LPNs can be extremely helpful in physician offices, ensuring that all patients receive the highest level of care possible during their short-term visit. Licensed practical nurses take orders from doctors, as well as room patients, record vital signs, collect specimens, give injections to patients when necessary, administer medication, prepare patients for exams, dress incisions, and assist with minor surgeries. In some physician offices, LPNs may also be given the opportunity to assist with administrative tasks as well.
Licensed Practical Nurses Thrive Working in Nursing Homes
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing, and residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, are the largest employers for LPNS. The job outlook for LPNs in nursing care facilities is excellent. Job opportunities in nursing and residential care facilities are expected to expand as the baby boomer population continues to grow.
In general, licensed practical nurses are expected to perform a wide range of core responsibilities, no matter the work environment they are in. When it comes to nursing homework opportunities, LPNs may be required to assist long-term patients with their basic hygiene, and both monitor and record their status as they continue to live their life.
Working in a nursing home allows LPNs the opportunity to expand their knowledge regarding ailments that older patients are subject to, such as dementia, arthritis, and heart or lung problems. LPNs in nursing homes may also assist with physical therapy regimes and be a source of companionship for the elderly.
LPNs Play a Vital Role in Mental Health Facilities
Mental illness is an equal opportunity illness that affects people of all ages, races, and income levels. The responsibilities of mental health LPNs within the walls of a mental health facility increase with education and experience. Working as an LPN in mental health facilities is exceptionally challenging but rewarding as well.
Licensed practical nurses are required to develop treatment plans for patients and ensure that they (and their rooms) remain safe and hygienic. LPNs also provide supervision to nursing aides and conduct health assessments. In order for an LPN to be successful while working in a mental health facility, one must have empathy for those they are caring for. Like we said before, this is a challenging path for an LPN to take, but it is a vital role within a mental health facility.
Home Health Positions Offer LPNs a Rewarding Career
Generally, LPNs work with larger facilities, clinics, and private agencies to find placement within a home or within several homes. Typically, LPNs are responsible for between seven and nine individuals and will spend their time traveling between their patient’s homes during the week.
Some common duties that LPNs help with are assisting patients with personal hygiene, conversing and encouraging individuals in order to ensure they are in good mental health, evaluating patient conditions, teaching basic care to loved ones, and accompanying patients on daily outings. LPNs complete daily patient reports that are submitted to the facility, clinic, or private agency that they work for. In addition to caring for the patient personally, LPNs will also instruct family members and other caregivers about proper procedures for assisting a patient when he or she is not present to help.
Licensed practical nurses are a fundamental part of the nursing workforce. With so many potential opportunities for licensed practical nurses, it’s important that you understand your full potential you diploma allows you. Are you interested in expanding your career as an LPN? If so, check out our job board to find all the current available positions.