Partners Career & Workforce Development

Health Care Careers Untitled Document

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Career Description:

Work under the direction of Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants and Physicians
Provide direct patient care in a variety of health care settings. (Huge demand in ambulatory settings)
Assist with biopsies/excisions/tube insertions
Conduct walk-in and telephone triage in ambulatory settings
Evaluate patient needs, wound care, changes dressings, removes sutures, implement care plans, take vital signs, collect specimens for laboratory tests and conducts point of care testing.
Provide education and counseling to patients
Start IV’s, administers prescribed medications and injections, keeps records, and other clerical duties
In ambulatory settings, supervise medical assistants and other staff
In nursing care facilities, may supervise nursing assistants and aides

Work Environment:

Working Conditions:

Requires physical stamina (long hours on feet; patient, equipment moving)
Some risk of exposure to hazardous body fluids and diseases, infections from patient contact
Usually work indoors in close contact with patients and co-workers
Wear uniforms
May work days, nights, weekends and holidays; full or part-time
Typically work a regular schedule

Job Outlook:

Over 700,000 LPNs employed in U.S.; over 17,000 work in Massachusetts
282,000 job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 17% growth rate
580 open LPN positions predicted annually in MA through 2008; average growth rate expected through 2012

Career Advancement:

Can advance into RN roles or other healthcare careers; with more education and training
May advance into positions as special procedures nurses and in critical care settings
With experience, may supervise medical assistants, nursing assistants and aides

Earnings:

Nationally, the median wage for LPNs is $2,760 per month. Half of all LPNs earn $2,330-$3,290 per month or $27,960-$39,480 annually
Average salary in MA is $3,700 per month. Half of all MA. LPNs earn $3,210-$4,340 per month or $38,520-$52,080 annually

Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.

Education/Training Required:

LPN programs are offered through high schools, professional technical schools, and community colleges
Programs vary in length based on whether they are full or part time
Training includes instruction and supervised clinical experience related to basic patient care
Classes include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, psychology, chemistry, biology and the study of diseases and treatments
Nursing assistants must be certified by the state of MA to work in long-term care.
Certification requires completion of an approved training program of 75 hours or more; certification exam required; continuing education required to maintain certification

Prerequisite Educational Requirements:

Licensure:

All states require LPNs to be licensed; requirements vary by state
In Massachusetts, in order to sit for the licensing exam, LPNs must be a graduate of an approved school or program of practical nursing, OR
Must be a former student of a professional nursing program who has withdrawn in good standing and who has completed a program of courses equivalent to that required for graduation from a school of practical nursing
In MA, continuing education and fees are required to maintain licensure

Is this career for you?

Are you able to successfully complete college level math and science courses?
Are you compassionate?
Do you have the desire to help people?
Do you work well as part of a team?
Do you have good communication skills?
Do you mind continuous repetition of some routine daily tasks?
Are you physically able to stand for long periods and lift up to 60 pounds?
Are you observant and flexible and a good problem solver?
Are you willing to put patients first and go out of your way to provide exceptional care to individuals with a wide variety of physical and emotional needs?

For more information on this career visit: