Brief Description
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), sometimes referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide patient care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. Normal job responsibilities include obtaining vital signs, helping patients with grooming and hygiene, reporting patients’ status and concerns to appropriate healthcare personnel, and providing basic medical care. In some cases and states, LPNs can collect samples for laboratory tests, feeding patients, and education to family members on how to care for the patient.
HOW DO I BECOME A LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE?
To become a licensed practical nurse, you must apply for admission into an approved educational program that typically lasts 1 year to complete. Educational programs are commonly found in technical schools and community colleges. The program combines classroom education in subjects such as nursing, biology, and pharmacology, along with clinical experience
All LPNs must be licensed by taking the National Council Licensure Examination – PN. Individuals must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a state licensing board exam.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN LPN SCHOOL?
Your training will begin with classroom study of the sciences: biology, pharmacology, and basic nursing courses. The latter part of your training will be clinical experience – actually working in health care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes under a licensed supervisor.
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The majority of LPNs are employed in skilled nursing facilities (29%) followed closely behind by state, local, and private hospitals (20%). There are also opportunities to work in clinics, home health services, and residential care facilities.
Many LPNs further their education and career by transitioning into a registered nursing program. With experience in the nursing field, the transition is easy and smooth.
HOW DO I BEGIN MY CAREER AS A LPN?
With the job outlook on the rise, finding a career as a LPN will not be difficult. LPN services are needed in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and residential care facilities.
LPN Specialties
- Gerontology: provide care to geriatric patients
- IV Therapy: Initiate and maintain IV therapy and administer IV meds
Video of Current Professional
Work Schedule
LPNs in a hospital setting typically work full time: night or day shift. Since LPNs are needed for around the clock care, they work weekends, holidays, and even during national disasters. Nurses who are employed in clinics, school settings, or any settings that do not require 24 hour care work during normal business hours, but are sometimes required to work longer than 8 hour shifts.
Salary Information
Average Annual Income: $41,540
Average Annual Income in Louisiana: $36,000
Average Hourly Income: $19.97
Job Outlook
Projected to grow 25% from 2012-2022
Schools
- A&W Healthcare Educators: New Orleans
- Baton Rouge Community College: Baton Rouge
- Baton Rouge Community College: Plaquemine
- South Louisiana Community College: Crowley
- South Louisiana Community College: Ville Platte
- South Louisiana Community College: St. Martinville
- South Louisiana Community College: Abbeville
- South Louisiana Community College: Lafayette
- South Louisiana Community College: Opelousas
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Alexandria
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Ferriday
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Winnfield
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Jena
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Leesville
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Oakdale
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Cottonport
- Louisiana Delta Community College: Bastrop
- Louisiana Delta Community College: Ruston
- Louisiana Delta Community College: Tallulah
- Louisiana Delta Community College: Lake Providence
- Louisiana Delta Community College: West Monroe
- Louisiana Delta Community College: Winnsboro
- Compass Career College: Hammond
- Delgado Community College
- Delta College: Baton Rouge
- Delta College: Covington
- Delta College: Lafayette
- Delta College: Slidell
- Dryades YMCA School of Commerce
- Northshore Technical Community College: Greensburg
- Northshore Technical Community College: Hammond
- LE Fletcher Technical Community College
- Louisiana State University: Shreveport
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College: Mansfield
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College: Minden
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College: Natchitoches
- SOWELA: Jennings
- Nunez Community College
- Our Lady of the Lake College
- South Central Louisiana Technical College: Reserve
- South Central Louisiana Technical College: Morgan City
- River Parishes Community College- Technical Education Center
Contact Information
M. Lynn Ansardi, RN, Executive Director
State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
504-838-5791