LPN Salary

The salary of a Licensed Practical Nurses ( LPN salary ) or LicensedVocational Nurses (LVN salary) averages about USD 31, 000 per annumthough it varies with the capacity in which they are employed. Thesalary of a LPN ranges from USD 29,000 per annum (working indoctor’s offices) to USD 40, 000 per annum (employmentservices) with a whole range of options in between such as hospitals,nursing homes and home health care services.

Now what does a LPN do? LPNs provide nursing care for patients undersupervision of doctors. Their services include taking temperature,monitoring blood pressure and pulse, preparing and administeringinjections, monitoring catheters, changing and checking dressings andtreating bedsores etc. They monitor patient’s progress,report reactions to medicines and collect samples for testing. They mayalso administer prescribed medicines or may start IVs. Some LPNs alsohelp deliver and care for infants.

As is obvious this is a job that requires considerable amount ofworking independently and handling situations in the absence ofdoctors. A great deal of sensitivity, good working knowledge of theprofession, ability to put patients at ease, a disciplined approach, acareful and tidy nature would be of immense help to do a good job inthis profession. As with all healthcare and nursing related professionsan innate nature to serve and to love your profession goes a long way.

LPNs have many more opportunities than those mentioned above for thesimple reason that there is an acute shortage of trained nurses. Apartfrom the job opportunities mentioned above LPNs also find employment incommunity care services, schools, outpatient care centers, governmentagencies and private companies. The fastest growing types of employmentfor LPNs are home healthcare services and nursing home facilities.

For those of you who are aspiring to be LPNs – the future isbright indeed!

So how does one become an LPN? To become a Licensed Practical Nurse youwould be required to pass a licensing exam upon the completion ofState-approved practical or vocational nursing program. A high schooldiploma is required to gain entry into training, which usually lastsfor about a year.

As an LPN salary earner you would generally be working about 40 hours aweek, which includes evenings, nights and holidays. Good luck!