by BLS.gov

Job Description
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. They provide basic bedside care, measure and record patients’ vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration, or prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and give alcohol rubs and massages. To help keep patients comfortable, they assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking. They might also feed patients who need help eating. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.

Education Requirements
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most practical nursing training programs last about one year, and are offered by vocational and technical schools or community or junior colleges. LPNs must be licensed to practice.

The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, is also required in order to obtain licensure as an LPN. The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based exam and varies in length. The exam covers four major Client Needs categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Eligibility for licensure may vary by State; for details, contact your State’s board of nursing.

Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of LPNs is projected to grow. Good job opportunities will occur in nursing care facilities and home healthcare services.

Demand for LPNs will be driven by the increase in the share of the older population. Job growth will occur over all healthcare settings but especially those that service the geriatric population like nursing care facilities, community care facilities, and home healthcare services.

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The above information is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.