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Licensed Practical Nurse- A Vital Part of Medical Care

Nature of Work

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are one of the most important parts of the health care and make sure quality care service. They have to work in a wide range of work settings. They do many tasks including helping patients with their daily chores like- dressing, bathing and eating. They also take vital signs, dress wounds and injuries, give medications, perform tests and give injections. They work under direct supervision of registered nurses, dentists and physicians. To be a licensed practical nurse you have to be tactful, intelligent and possess physical and mental stability. They take care of sick injured and disabled people. As part of their job, LPNs collect samples for diagnosis test, complete routine tests, and record food and fluid intake and evacuation. Licensed practical nurse cleans and observes medical apparatus. The supervision of physicians or superior authority may be varied in different state and work settings.

Work Environment

Licensed Practical Nurses work in health care centers average 40 hours per week. Many LPNs have to work late night, on weekends or holidays at round the clock care centers. Their work place includes hospitals, nursing homes, dental offices, mental health institutions, private homes, community health clinics, and public health departments. Licensed practical nurses can work part time as about 18% of them are part time job holders. You have to face heavy load works including moving patients, letting them walk, or moving into bed. Sometimes they have to respond to calls for home care agencies.

Education and Training

Students interested in becoming licensed practical nurse should get a high school diploma or something equivalent. As a candidate you must complete a qualified program and you have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to be accredited for LPNs. Programs include classroom along with controlled clinical experience in patient care. If you are interested you can contact schools for information on admission and course of study.

Career Outlook

Employment chances for licensed practical nurses are projected to be excellent in the upcoming years. The job prospect is anticipated to have a growth of 10%-20% through the year 2010. The growing elderly population needs more trained care and as the health care market is ever expanding. Another cause of expanding possibilities for LPNs is in nursing homes. Licensed practical nurse salary ranges between $24300 and $37600 and average salary is $32400.