Entering the health care field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), also called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, offers distinct advantages. To start, you can train for this profession in a year's time, which means you can begin working and earning money sooner. Plus, advanced technology has increased the demand for LPNs and LVNs outside of hospitals where more jobs and more diverse career opportunities typically exist.
 Licensed practical nurses care for the sick, injured, disabled or convalescent. They bring their caring, sympathetic natures to hospitals, home health care services, nursing care facilities, physicians' offices and other health care providers and agencies.
Working under the direction of physicians and registered nurses (RNs), LPNs and LVNs attend to patients in a number of ways. Depending on the nature of their job, they might:
- Take vital signs
- Gather patient health information
- Prepare and deliver injections
- Assist patients in personal hygiene tasks
- Collect lab samples and perform routine lab tests
- Help care for and feed infants
- Teach patients and family members about good health habits
- Supervise nursing assistants and aides
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2006, licensed practical nurses earned an average annual salary between $31,080 and $46,640. Wages vary based on industry, with LPNs and LVNs in employment services earning the highest median annual salary of $42,110.
Nursing care facilities and home health care services offer the next highest median salaries at $38,320 and $37,880, respectively. In hospitals, LPNs and LVNs can earn $35,000 annually, and at physician's offices, their median annual salary is $32,710.
Professional advantages, personal rewards and endless chances to help others—the LPN field delivers it all. With an exploding job market and career opportunities opening up in a range of industries, the nursing arena is calling out to candidates who are ready to put their hearts and minds to work for those of us in need of care.
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