Licensed Practical Nurse

While becoming a licensed practical nurse can be seen as outdated by some people in health care, I think LPNs are here to stay and very much needed. The ever growing nursing shortage and the aging baby boomer population will only increase the need for LPNs. These professionals are the backbone of nursing and I dare you to find and LPN who has been working 20 years that knows less than an RN with the same experience. You can become an LPN in one year. LPN programs are usually offered in community colleges or hospitals. They are notably cheaper then associates and bachelors programs. You will then take the NCLEX-PN as opposed to the NCLEX-RN.

The best part about becoming an LPN nowadays is that you can change your mind and look into LPN to RN programs later. Just like the RN to BSN programs for associate degree nurses, LPN to RN programs let you work while gaining a higher educational degree. Becoming an LPN is great! Becoming and RN later will only help you in your career.

The difference in LPN salaries relates to the limitations their scope of practice as compared to RNs. While all states vary, examples of limitations in patient care include

• no blood administration allowed
• no IV medication administration allowed
• certain wound care/dressing change restrictions

A common complaint among LPNs is that the scope of practice varies so much from state to state. Some hospitals even have their own limitations for licensed practical nurses. Here is an interesting article are LPN hiring information. Please consider everything from educational time to job satisfaction when deciding on your career path.

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