Training and Education

In order to become a Practical Nurse, also known as an LPN, one must pass a special examination in order to receive a license. The individual must first pass an approved nursing program in order to be eligible to take the test. Most Practical Nurse LPN programs require having a high school diploma in order for admission.

As of 2004, there were 1,200 different programs available for getting a Practical Nurse Degree. Most of these programs are available through vocational and technical schools or from community colleges and junior colleges. The majority of these programs take one year to complete. Typical classes required for a Practical Nurse/LPN diploma include physiology, anatomy, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, drug administration, psychiatric nursing, first aid, and nutrition.

Job Description

A Practical Nurse LPN is responsible for caring for those that are disabled, sick or injured. Typical duties of a Practical Nurse include taking the vital signs of patients, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration, and pulse. The LPN also may be called on to provide bedside care, including giving alcohol rubs and messages, applying dressing, and treating bedsores.

A Practical Nurse may also be responsible for performing routine laboratory tests, collecting samples for testing, feeding patients, and maintaining records of the fluid and food input and output of the patient. The Practical Nurse/LPN must also make sure the patient is kept comfortable, which may include bathing and dressing the patient as well as generally helping take care of the patient’s hygiene. If permitted by State law, an LPN may also administer medicine or begin intravenous (IV) fluids.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Practical Nurse/LPN employment opportunities in settings outside of the hospital setting are expected to grow faster than average. Opportunities within the hospital setting are expected to decline as more procedures are performed in physician offices and, therefore, the need for a Practical Nurse/LPN lies primarily in that setting.

According to the Bureau, the median annual salary for a Practical Nurse/LPN in 2004 was $33,970. A Practical Nurse working for employment services earned the most, with a median annual salary of $41,550. Those working in the offices of physicians earned the least, with a median annual salary of $30,400.

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