How to Become an LPN

If you are considering a healthcare career, becoming a licensed practical nurse or LPN may be a great opportunity to get you started. The scope of practice for an LPN is more limited compared to an RN, but it is an excellent role in healthcare. Often they work side by side in the hospital with other members of the care team, including registered nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapists. In the community, licensed practical nurses can function more independently but are overseen by an RN or other licensed advanced practice provider as part of their role. 

As an LPN, you'll gain valuable experience in a multitude of healthcare settings. LPNs will often be the eyes and ears of the care team, directly interfacing with patients and the first to raise a red flag if there are issues. They are critical players helping to keep patients comfortable and cared for. 

Here are some questions that may help you decide if becoming an LPN is the right career choice. Much of the decision depends on your future plans and what type of setting and autonomy you wish to have. Entering nursing as an LPN is an excellent way to spend less time and money upfront on your education while still allowing for a decent salary and upward mobility in the future. You can easily transition from LPN to RN down the line. 

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

An LPN works as part of the medical team under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), advanced practice nurse (APRN), or physician to deliver care to patients or clients in a variety of settings such as: 

• Hospitals

• Outpatient clinics

• Physician offices

• Nursing homes/Long-term care facilities 

• Schools

• Assisted living facilities 

• Public health

• Home health

• Travel nurse agencies 

• Hospice 

• Schools

• Health departments

• Urgent cares

• Correctional facilities 

• Rehab facilities

• Insurance companies

• Occupational health facilities

Some states may have varying supervision requirements, so it's important to understand the specific rules in your state if you want to become an LPN. 

Are LPNs nurses?

Yes, LPNs are nurses! LPNs go through a rigorous nursing program that entails didactic, lab, and clinical hours. In fact, most LPN programs have a large amount of clinical and lab hours and hands-on training.

Is there a difference between an LPN and an LVN? 

No. The variation lies essentially in the name - California and Texas use the nomenclature of licensed vocational nurse while the rest of the states refer to a healthcare professional working with the same scope of practice as an LPN. 

How do I become an LPN?

The education pathway for an LPN is similar to that of an RN. You will need to go to an accredited program - this may be at a vocational school, community college, or trade school. LPN programs are usually one-year certificate or diploma nursing programs. Some LPN programs are two-year degree programs, and their graduates earn an associate's degree. 

Ask the program about their pass rate for the national certifying exam (NCLEX- PN) and matriculation rates (how many of the students that start the program actually complete it). It's also wise to verify that the school is accredited (this can affect your ability to sit for the NCLEX-PN and get a job after graduation).

Once you have found the right program, you'll need to complete didactic hours in the classroom and clinical hours at sites like nursing homes or hospitals. After graduating, your school should help you submit your paperwork to sit for the NCLEX-PN. It's always helpful to take a study course before taking the exam to help ensure you are prepared to pass. 

How much does an LPN make?

The average salary for an LPN in the United States is $51,850, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2021. The highest paying states for LPNs are California, Alaska, and Washington, all paying LPNs on average over $60,000 per year. The Napa area in Northern California is the highest paying metropolitan area in the US, where LPNs make an average of almost $77,000 per year. 

What does an LPN do?

An LPN will have similar job responsibilities to a registered nurse, with a few caveats. Depending on the state's scope of practice and the facility where they work, LPNs may be limited in what they can do. For example, in some states, LPNs often cannot administer IV medication. In others, they may administer after specialized training and under supervision. Some states also mandate that LPNs must provide nursing care in a stable or non-complex environment. 

Remember, it is your responsibility to know the laws in your state that govern your scope when you start working. A physician's order or direction from an RN cannot supersede your scope as outlined by your state nursing board. Common responsibilities for an LPN include:

• Taking and documenting vitals

• Performing wound care

• Administer oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and topical medications

• Documentation 

• Managing CNAs 

• Collecting specimens such as urine

• Drawing blood

• Inserting and removing urinary catheters

• Caring for patients with ventilators and tracheostomies

• Administering feedings and medications through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes

• Administering vaccines

LPNs make excellent leaders in nursing and often serve as preceptors, mentors, and leaders for their nursing peers. Some of the leadership and management positions LPNs can hold are:

• Staff Development Director

• Charge Nurse

• Unit manager

• Community liaison

• Wound care nurse

• Director of Nursing

• Quality assurance nurse

• Assistant Director of Nursing

• CNA school instructor

• Facility preceptor

• MDS coordinator

Although there's a stigma associated with the roles LPNs can fill, it's important to note that LPNs can work in settings outside of nursing homes and in management and administration!

Why become an LPN?

Licensed practical nurses interact directly with their patients and have a critical education role, especially in the community. While they are overseen by other medical professionals, they function as first-line educators for patients and directly impact them with their health issues. In reality, their scope is similar to that of a registered nurse. LPNs are valuable members of the healthcare community. 

LPNs can have a significant impact on the communities they serve. Communities like connectRN allow LPNs, RNs, and CNAs to connect with other caregivers and control their own schedules. In a fast-growing field like healthcare, becoming an LPN could be the first step to finding your purpose and community.