Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Guide

Licensed practical nurses typically complete about one year of full-time training to become licensed. In Texas and California, they are also called licensed vocational nurses or LVNs. Different than RNs, LPNs have less training than RNs.

LPNs usually work under the supervision of an RN in a skilled nursing home or hospital. In skilled nursing and hospital settings, they typically provide medication, insulin shots, and topical treatments to patients. They monitor the condition of patients, collect information about the patients for their care plans, and monitor patients? vital signs. Charting is an essential part of the job in these settings.

Some LPNs may work in different settings. They may work in camps, prisons, psych wards, schools, or in the homes of patients. In some instances, they may work as health nurses in assisted living facilities. In such settings, they maintain care plans, complete charting, monitor patients, provide care, and attend patients? physician appointments.

Students wishing to start as LPNs and later become RNs may choose an LPN bridge study program. The best way to gain insight into what it is like to be an LPN is to learn from experienced LPNs. Check out our career profiles created from one-on-one interviews with professional LPNs to learn about educational and career paths, salaries, and more.