What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is responsible for assisting physicians with patient office visits, including seating patients in rooms, interviewing patients, recording vital signs such as pulse rate, blood pressure, height, and weight. Additionally, a licensed practical nurse administers and documents medication under a physician's order. Licensed practical nurses usually work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and physician offices. LPN's interested in advancing within the nursing profession can move on to a Registered Nurse (RN).
Licensed practical nurses generally have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing along with a valid license practical nursing certification. A successful licensed practical nurse is a compassionate team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Observe, record, and report changes in patients' condition
- Effectively carry out medical and surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures
- Sterilize packages and autoclaves instruments, using proper sterilization protocols
- Effectively label and process patient specimens as needed, including tracking specimens in appropriate logs
- Organize exam rooms, including general cleaning, upkeep, and re-stocking of supplies
- Communicate with patients' family or friends to provide advice, comfort and release instructions
- Administer injections, prescribed medications and clean and dress wounds and assist with other basic medical care tasks
- Demonstrates appropriate hand washing technique to ensure proper infection control and follows universal precautions
- 2+ years' nursing experience
- Current LPN license in the state
- Valid CPR certification
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care according to individual needs
- Excellent staff training and customer service skills
- Outstanding knowledge of nursing and medical terminology
- Compassionate and friendly demeanor
- Understanding of confidentiality obligations and nursing best practices
- Exceptional physical condition and stamina
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$80,471
/ yrLicensed Practical Nurse Career Path
Learn how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Licensed Practical Nurse Insights
Ramada“I was there for 5 months everyone was so helpful and good for starting your carrier.”
Cotton On“No overtime payment but have to stay until the store tidy and clean probably 12 am end .”
Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care“Everyone is super nice and helpful and they have been super flexible with my schedule and have worked with me.”
Nestlé“no career improvement and development because you do the basic things during internship at lab everyday”
Integrity Home Care + Hospice“life balance is easily obtainable and they compensate you well for going above and beyond expectations.”
Everside Health“The doctor and nurse are great to work with and team effort is top notch.”
UF Health“If you have a good team and doctors it is an amazing place to work for.”
Center For Discovery“The work that is done is truly wonderful and I enjoyed working with my patients.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of licensed practical nurses
The typical day of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) centers around providing patient care in a hospital setting or a doctor's office. Duties include getting vitals, recording information on charts, and administering medicine under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse.
LPNs work in a variety of settings, which can affect working hours and overall employment environment. An advantage of becoming an LPN revolves around the many places one can work, including doctors' offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
The average pay for a licensed practical nurse in the U.S. is $80,471 per year. Top LPN earners make up to $114,758 per year, with the opportunity to move into new roles and higher salaries with additional training and education.
LPNs spend a lot of time around sick and injured people, which can create a stressful environment. Working as an LPN also means spending lots of time on your feet. LPNs may need to work long hours, including during holidays.