Licensed Practical Nurse
O*NET-SOC: 29-2061.00
Provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, changing wound dressings, and assisting patients with daily activities.
About this Role
Licensed practical nurses provide hands-on patient care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors, handling many of the day-to-day tasks that keep patients comfortable, safe, and on track with their treatment plans. A shift typically begins with a handoff from the outgoing nurse, where they learn about each patient's condition, medications, and any changes that happened overnight. From there, the day is a steady cycle of checking vital signs, administering medications, changing wound dressings, helping patients with bathing and mobility, and documenting everything in the electronic health record.
A Day in the Life
6:30 AM
Shift report handoff
Meet with the outgoing nurse to review each patient's condition, new lab results, and any orders that came in overnight.
7:00 AM
Morning assessments
Check vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse), do basic neurological checks, and weigh patients as needed.
8:30 AM
Medication round
Administer scheduled medications by mouth or injection, scanning each patient's wristband to verify the right drug and dose.
11:00 AM
Wound care
Assess and clean wounds, change dressings, and document how each wound is healing for the supervising nurse.
12:30 PM
Lunch and charting
Take a break, then record the morning's observations, fluid intake, and output in the electronic health record.
1:30 PM
IV and infusion care
Start or monitor intravenous medications such as antibiotics, flush IV lines, and check the insertion sites for problems.
3:30 PM
Patient education
Teach a patient how to use a blood sugar monitor at home or walk a family through discharge instructions.
6:30 PM
Handoff prep
Update the incoming shift on each patient's status, tidy up supply areas, and finish any remaining documentation.
Tools & Technologies
Medical & Health Records
- eClinicalWorks
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- HCPCS
Video Conferencing
- Zoom
- FaceTime
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Exchange
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Operating Systems
- Microsoft Windows
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $55K and $73K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $48K |
| 25th | $55K |
| 50th (Median) | $62K |
| 75th | $73K |
| 90th | $81K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
NCLEX-PN Licensure
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Exam post-program for LPN practice authorization.
BLS Provider
American Heart Association
Basic life support required for healthcare.
Recommended
IV Therapy Certification
State Board of Nursing
Covers infusion skills for LPN scope.
Professional Memberships
National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service Membership
NAPNES
Resources and advocacy for LPNs.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Mostly On-site
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (44)
- Complex Problem SolvingModerate Match
- Learning StrategiesModerate Match
- InstructingModerate Match
- Systems EvaluationModerate Match
- Systems AnalysisModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a good career?
Licensed Practical Nurse can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $62K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
The typical education requirement for a Licensed Practical Nurse is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Licensed Practical Nurse?
The work-life balance for a Licensed Practical Nurse is demanding, often requiring long hours, irregular schedules, or high-pressure situations. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Licensed Practical Nurse?
The job outlook for Licensed Practical Nurse is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.