LPN Opportunities

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are categorically a step between a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and a registered nurse (RN). They perform many of the same functions as an RN, though their professional role, required training, and occupational setting is slightly different.

An LPN Career Means Wide Open Opportunities

Do you know what field is going to have the most job opportunities in the coming years? Did you say computers or high tech? That’s what many people guess, but it’s wrong. Health care is going to be far and away the leader when it comes to job openings for the foreseeable future. Why is that the case? Two words – baby boomers. They created a revolution in the sixties with sex, drugs, and rock and roll, in the seventies they gave us the “Me Decade”, and then in the eighties and nineties they began earning huge wads of money for their retirement. And now, they’re starting to retire, and the American health care system is not prepared to take care of them. And that means it’s a great time to consider an LPN career.

By pursuing an LPN career right now, before the big baby boomer retirement wave hits, you’re getting your foot in the door to establish yourself, and build up some seniority. And don’t worry, there are plenty of LPN jobs available right now. In fact, there’s already a nursing shortage in this country, so you can just imagine how much more nurses will be in demand in a few years. It only takes a year to get your LPN diploma, and you can even do it online from the comfort of your home. And the pay is excellent, and it will only continue to increase due to the huge demand for them in the future.

With an LPN career, you’ll never again have to worry about job security. Plus, if you don’t like being tied down, you can work as a temp nurse, naming your own hours, and declining any work that doesn’t interest you. Many nurses travel the country and pay for it by doing temp nursing. But no matter which way your career path goes, it’s a great time to become an LPN.

Nursing salaries are competitive with, and in many cases higher than other professional salaries. Salaries are expected to increase as the need for nurses increases. Most licensed practical nurses in hospitals and nursing facilities work a 40-hour week, but because patients need round-the-clock care, some work at night, during weekends and holidays. They often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk.

Median annual earnings of licensed practical nurses were US $33,970 in May 2004. The middle 50% earned between $28,830 and $40,670. The lowest 10% earned more than $24,480 and highest 10% earned more than $46,270. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of licensed practical nurses in May 2004 were:

Employment services                                               $41,550
Nursing care facilities                                               $35,460
Home health care services                                       $35,180
General medical and surgical                                   $32,570
Hospitals/Office of Physicians                                   $30,400