Career Profile: Licensed Vocational / Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the direct supervision of RNs and physicians but are capable of performing most patient care tasks. These tasks include taking patients’ vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, and patient bathing. The only RN-specific tasks that LPNs are not able to do are to administer IVs, push pharmaceuticals, and hang the first unit of blood. LPNs are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California.

Median Salary
$40,000

Education Requirements
Most LPNs complete a one-year LPN program usually offered at a vocational or technical school.

Job Outlook
Like most nursing specialties, licensed practical nurses are in high demand and job growth in this specialty is expected to remain steady over the next ten years.