Is Becoming an LPN Worth It?
If you clicked on this article, you might have heard of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and wondered what it takes to become an LPN and whether it is the career path for you. Pursuing any career in the medical field is never easy. It will take great focus and a non-quitting attitude, but the results are always satisfying. The great thing about working as an LPN is that you will be helping people and seeing first-hand their recovery progress, knowing that you contributed to that. Keep on reading to find out more about the specifics of an LPN’s work environment, their salary, and whether it is worth becoming one.
What Is an LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians; their primary duty is tending to the sick, disabled, and injured patients. One of the day-to-day responsibilities of an LPN is collecting patients’ DNA samples for lab work. LPNs are crucial to the healthcare system as they are the face a patient sees the most, tending to their needs and providing them care.
What does an LPN do?
In general, the duties of an LPN is providing the patients essential care; this could mean anything from monitoring vital signs to dressing and bathing them. So the responsibilities of an LPN are pretty broad; let’s take a look at the specific duties they have to fulfill in their respective workplace.
Providing immunizations
Giving medications and injections
Taking blood pressure, temperature, weight
Recording the patient’s health history
Caring for, cleaning, and bandaging wounds
Is LPN a Good Career?
We could say that any career that involves helping people is a good one, and caring for the well-being of others on a daily basis is especially gratifying. Although LPNs work under the supervision of RNs, which means they earn less, it doesn’t make them any less essential to the healthcare system. Becoming an LPN can jumpstart your career in nursing and open doors for other opportunities.
Interested in pursuing an LVN degree in California?
Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program.
LPN salary
An LPN’s salary depends on many factors, such as the years of experience they have, the healthcare facility they work in, and the state in which they work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a licensed practical nurse is $50,090, and LPNs that are in the top 10% can earn up to $65,000 a year. This shows that the more experience an LPN has, the more they get paid. Now let’s take a look at some of the highest-paying states in the U.S. for LPNs per year:
California - $64,090
Massachusetts - $60,400
Washington - $59,780
Nevada - $59,700
Rhode Island - $59,090
Connecticut - $58,430
District of Columbia - $57,810
New York - $57,590
Oregon - $57,320
New Hampshire - $56,400
Maryland - $56,220
Arizona - $55,820
Illinois - $54,580
Colorado - $54,310
Hawaii - $54,160
Where do LPNs work?
An LPN’s skill set and responsibilities are needed in various healthcare settings, so if you’re looking to become an LPN, you have a variety of choices you can pick to work in. Here is a list of places an LPN’s expertise is needed:
Hospital
Rehab facility
Physician’s office
Nursing home and residential care facilities
Outpatient surgery center
Home health care
Schools
Immunization clinic
Insurance company
Medical/clinical call center
Is LPN Worth It?
You might be thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of becoming an LPN and asking yourself, “Is LPN worth it?” If we focus on the disadvantages, we may feel discouraged; every job comes with its own difficulties and inconveniences, that is why to pick a career you must focus on the subject of it. At the core of an LPNs work is helping people on a daily basis, and if, this weren’t rewarding enough, read below other reasons why becoming an LPN is a great career choice.
You have abundant job opportunities
Jobs in the medical field are always in high demand as we will always need healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for LPNs specifically are expected to grow 9% in the next decade. You will have plenty of opportunities for advancement and to pick a place of work.
You can further your education while working
Many students in nursing school are working either part time or full time, which is excellent news if you want to continue your education and boost your career while working. If you are an LPN aspiring to become an RN or higher, you can continue studying and still work as an LPN, consolidating what you are learning through practice.
You can leverage the predicted employment growth
Another great reason why becoming an LPN is worth it is the predicted employment growth mentioned above. Tune out the negative voices saying that LPNs are not high in demand and don’t get paid well because, with years of experience and the expected employment growth, you can make a good living out of this career. You can also easily boost your nursing career if you decide to because you will have had years of experience as an LPN.
You have the chance to touch people’s lives
And the most fulfilling part of being an LPN, you can be there in the front, helping and potentially saving people’s lives. Suppose you were already thinking of becoming an LPN. In that case, you probably are the kind of person who enjoys lending a helping hand to someone in need and is a genuine altruistic person, which is why becoming an LPN is definitely worth it.
Conclusion
Becoming an LPN is no piece of cake; after all, caring for people and potentially saving their lives takes a lot of preparation and dedication. LPN school can be challenging for some aspiring nurses, but with a strong work ethic, good study habits, and determination, your journey to becoming a licensed practical nurse will be easier and rewarding.