When we think of a nurse, the registered nurse may quickly come to mind, but licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are also a significant part of the nursing workforce and deserve equal attention for their important contributions to patient care. We can also recognize the LPN role as a viable potential on-ramp to a satisfying nursing career.

What are LPNs?

Licensed practical nurses (also known as licensed vocational nurses—or LVNs—in Texas and California) are nurses who have been trained to provide direct care to patients in assisted living and memory care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, physician offices, home health, and some hospitals.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing

(NCSBN), there are 921,209 total practical nurses in the United States as of this writing.

LPNs attend a 12 to 18-month educational non-degree diploma program and then sit for the NCLEX-PN national licensing exam.

Practical/vocational nurses are able to perform a number of tasks related to patient care, including:

Performing assessments
Taking patient histories
Supervising non-licensed personnel like nurse’s aides
Administering medications
Basic wound care
Assisting with procedures
Taking vital signs
Monitoring patients for changes in status
Documenting care
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
Educating patients

Depending on the scope of practice in the state where they work, many LPNs are not allowed to perform some tasks that are generally reserved for RNs, including developing care plans, performing advanced assessments, administering certain controlled substances, supervising RNs, administering IV medications, initiating blood transfusions, or managing complex or critical patients.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, LPNs earned a median annual salary of $59,730 per year or $28.72 per hour, with 3% projected job growth (as fast as the average) from 2023 to 2033.

Those who choose to become LPNs cannot expect to earn close to the median RN salary of $86,070 or $41.38 per hour. Although current RN projected job growth of 6% is double that of LPNs, individuals who pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing can also expect to spend up to four years attending college, with vastly higher tuition costs and student loan debt.

When considering a career as a nursing professional, there is much to consider, and every individual must make an informed decision based on their own needs, goals, and life circumstances.

A Toe in the Nursing Water

For those looking for a way to dip their toe in the nursing waters without an enormous commitment of time and money, becoming an LPN offers an option with less cost, lower risk, and a less time-consuming educational process.

As mentioned above, a typical LPN program offered at a community college or vocational school may be as short as 12 months and does not involve earning a degree. This can be very attractive for someone wanting a path to earning a living relatively quickly.

In terms of cost, some community colleges offering in-state tuition set tuition as low as $3,000 to $5,000, while some 4-year colleges and universities offering LPN programs may charge more than $10,000.

Considering these factors, becoming an LPN can be a great way to contribute positively to patient care while not necessarily breaking the bank to get there. We can consider a career as an LPN as an accessible gateway to a career as an RN if nursing ends up feeling like a good fit.

LPNs can care for patients across their lifespans, and while they may not have the broad scope of practice of RNs, their importance within the healthcare system cannot be denied. Becoming an LPN can be a great choice as an entry into a long and satisfying nursing career.

The post LPNS and LVNs: A Potential On-Ramp to a Satisfying Nursing Career first appeared on Daily Nurse.