The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO LPN AND LVN DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT LPNS AND LVNS DO
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. LVN is the title used in California and Texas while the rest of the United States uses LPN.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $48,500
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$63,850
2. Massachusetts
$60,340
3. California
$60,240
4. Rhode Island
$59,860
5. Nevada
$58,470
Bottom 5 States
50. West Virginia
$37,500
49. South Dakota
$38,760
48. Mississippi
$39,020
47. Alabama
$39,310
46. Louisiana
$40,300
STEPS TO BECOME AN LPN OR LVN
Though the process of becoming an LPN or LVN is rigorous, the actual steps are fairly straightforward.
You first will enroll in an LPV or LVN education program. This will take a year or more and will include supervised clinical experience. Then to obtain licensure, you will take the NCLEX-PN exam.
You can also choose to be certified through professional associations in other areas, such as gerontology and IV therapy. This is to show that you have advanced knowledge about a specific subject. Employers may also prefer to hire LPNs or LVNs who are trained to provide CPR.
1. Enroll in an LPN/LVN Education Program
Program takes about 1 year or more
2. Take the National Exam
You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become an LPN or LVN.
3. Find a Job as an LPN or LVN!
4. Advance Career: Study to be an RN
There are special programs that are specifically for LPNs or LVNs to advance their career to become Registered Nurses (RN).
QUALITIES OF LPNS AND LVNS
Interpersonal Skills
LPNs and LVNs need to interact with patients and other healthcare providers as it is a big part of their job.
Compassion
LPNs and LVNs must be empathetic and caring toward the people they serve.
Patience
LPNs and LVNs should be patient so they can cope with any stress that stems from providing care to sick and injured patients.
Physical Stamina
LPNs and LVNs should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as bending over, as they assist patients for long periods of time.
Speaking Skills
LPNs and LVNs need to communicate effectively as they will need to relay information about a patient’s current condition to another member of the healthcare team.
Detail Oriented
LPNs and LVNs need to be responsible and detail oriented because they must make sure that patients get the correct care at the right time.