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Average Salary & Job Outlook
LPN Median wages (2005) $35,230 annually
U.S. Minimum Wage
$10,712 Annually
Due to the need of long-term care and in response to the growing
needs of elderly population and the general growth of health
care services,LPNemployment in hospital settings is expected
to grow as fast as average for all other occupations through
the next eight years. However, for those practicing outside
the hospital setting, such as home care, employment is expected
to grow much faster than average. This will result in an increase
of about 20%.
In 2005 the median annual earnings for licensed practical
nurses were approximately $35,230. Beginning
wages tend to be an average of $24,480 while more experienced
LPN’s can expect a yearly salary of $46,270.
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Licensed Practical Nursing
One of the most popular and rewarding jobs in nursing
is Licensed Practical Nursing, also known as LPN.
Licensed Practical Nurses work in settings like hospitals,
outpatient facilities, long term care facilities,
clinics and home care.
What does a LPN do?
Responsibilities of LPN workers include:
- Taking vital
signs
- Preparing and administering injections
- Applying dressings
and bandages
- Monitoring catheters
- Treating bedsores
- Providing alcohol massages or rubs
- Monitoring and
reporting patient changes
- Collecting samples for testing
- Provide patient hygiene
- Feeding patients
Because of the high level of patient responsibility,
nursing is highly regulated, requiring both education
and a license. Graduates must complete a state approved
practical nursing program and pass a licensing examination.
An LPN certificate can be completed in less than
a year.
Course work in the Licensed Practical Nursing program
includes programs such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition,
biology, chemistry, obstetrics, pediatrics and first
aid.
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