Career Profile: Licensed Practical Nurse

Career Profile Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, offer basic care to patients in a range of healthcare settings. Under the management of doctors or registered nurses, LPNs maintain responsibility for the overall patient experience throughout the delivery of care. LPNs help patients eat, dress and bathe, change wound dressings and monitor vital signs.

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?

LPNs support physicians and other nursing staff in the delivery of patient care. Working in hospitals and care centers, LPNs are responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

  • Provide basic medical and nursing care
  • Checking and recording patient vital signs
  • Evaluating overall needs of patients
  • Ensure patient comfort and satisfaction
  • Support physicians and nursing staff
  • Manage patient care plans
  • Advise doctors and nurses on patient condition

LPNs maintain a core responsibility to keep patients comfortable and happy throughout the delivery of care.

What Certifications or Degrees Do I Need to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?

To enter the Licensed Practical Nursing profession, candidates must first obtain a diploma and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers a fast-paced Licensed Practical Nursing program designed to arm students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the NCLEX and thrive in an LPN career.

In as little as a year, students can become qualified to pursue employment as LPNs.

What Is the Employment Outlook for a Licensed Practical Nurse?

An aging population and increase in access to medical care have led to employment growth within the LPN profession. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of LPNs is expected to increase 16 percent from 2014 to 2024. An estimated 117,000 new LPN positions will need to be filled in that time. LPN also ranks 41st out of the 100 Best Jobs by the U.S. News and World Report.

Qualified candidates may seek employment within hospitals, nursing homes, in-patient care centers and more. Additional opportunities present themselves to LPNs as they gain experience and obtain additional education.

Become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Apply Today.

A career as a Licensed Practical Nursing offers many benefits, including a competitive wage and rewarding work every day. Start your path towards a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.