Licensed Practical Nurse

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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. For additional information from actual nurses in this field, please see the Licenced Practical/Vocational Nursing discussion thread.

Read an interview with a current LPN in Career Profile: Licensed Practical Nurse.

Check out the article The Supply, Demand, and Use of Licensed Practical Nurses.

Average Annual Salary

$40,000

Educational Requirements

Related Organizations

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses

National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service

Featured Books

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NurseBecca

3 months ago

2 comments

I have to agree about CNA's they work very hard. As an LPN that started as a CNA, I still continue to do CNA work when needed. It wastes more time to get a CNA to wash a resident that needs a dressing change than to just go in and do it myself, and the bonus is that I get to spend more time with that patient and it provides an excellent opportunity to do a complete skin assessment. I am by no means 'super-nurse' or trying to toot my own horn. It's just that I get so frustrated with some nurses that complain about their CNA's not doing things when we are all suppose to be a team and work together in all aspects of nursing. I currently work as a registry nurse and have found some of the easiest people to work with are the CNA's. It is so nice to see other people appreciate them too!
FLNURSE00

3 months ago

6 comments

DITTO to your post TAMMY and everyone else that is proud to wear LPN on their name badge....and I would like to put my 2 cents in on CNA's.....A LOT of the CNA's I have worked with are some of the hardest working people I know and I just hate it when nurses ( RN and LPN ) down play CNA's........CNA, LPN, and RN are just letters behind your name. It really only lets people know how long you went to school and where you fit into on the pay scale. I only say that because the longer I am in the nursing field, the one thing I do know is that those letters we have behind our names DO NOT reflect how much commn sense or what you know about nursing....As a LPN, I have learned just as much from a well seasoned CNA that I have from a RN....
PrincessQ

3 months ago

12 comments

Charlita, Just a clarification LPN can insert NG tubes. I am in my LPN clinicals and have inserted several as well as starting IV's.
charlita

8 months ago

2916 comments

This is a short description of what being an LPN entails. LPNs do so much more. I agree with Iobra in what our duties are. LPNs can start ivs now. The one thing we can't do that a RN does is insert an ng tube. That may have changed too. I too am tired of hearing "Oh you're JUST a LPN, why don't you on for your RN?" I love being a LPN. The only reason I'd go for RN would be the difference in pay.
lobra

8 months ago

4 comments

This is to Janelynn yes!!!!!!!!!! there is hope @ age 57,I am 60 years young,and I am going for my RN finally not because I have to because I want to do it. I am so tired of taking direction,supervision from knuckleheaded RNs who do not respect,or appreciate LPNs,or who are threatened by my experience which happens to span 30 years,of non-managerial,and managerial positions. So take your time,exhale,and go for it.
lobra

8 months ago

4 comments

Experienced LPNs are charge nurses in nursing homes,supervise CNAs,hang and monitor tube feedings,monitor IVs,and blood which has been hung. They are integral parts of the interdisciplinary team.
craig

11 months ago

4 comments

I was a nurse in the military for a few years and the courses I took are very similar to that in the civilian world. Now that I am out the state I live in tells me that I have to go back through all the classes I took to become a LPN. I was planning on getting a RN later but with this headache I don't know. I want to know is there anywhere that I could possibly CLEP out of some Nursing classes to get it faster? I can only get Cardiac Monitor Tech position and I would rather do more one on one with patients.
craig

11 months ago

4 comments

I was a nurse in the military for a few years and the courses I took are very similar to that in the civilian world. Now that I am out the state I live in tells me that I have to go back through all the classes I took to become a LPN. I was planning on getting a RN later but with this headache I don't know. I want to know is there anywhere that I could possibly CLEP out of some Nursing classes to get it faster? I can only get Cardiac Monitor Tech position and I would rather do more one on one with patients.
janelynn

12 months ago

2 comments

I have have had the honor of being an LPN for 17 years. I am proud of what I am, but recently stopped practicingdue to burn-out. I have a vacation rental cleaning buisness at present, work less hours, make more money. But the truth is I miss the hands on nursing. I also regret not getting my RN. Is there hope for me at 57?
sweetnurse72

about 1 year ago

2 comments

I agree with Tammy714 we work just as hard as RN's and in the long term care we are it. You get us, working our butts off with all that goes on in 8 hours and no matter what you never have enough time to get your work done and I also get offended when I hear Oh, your just and LPN. .....
nickyredd

about 1 year ago

2 comments

I'm a single working mother of three daughters. My schedule rotates every six months and I want to become an LPN utilizing internet courses. Is there such a thing for LPN'S
tammy714

about 1 year ago

2 comments

I have been an LPN for 11 years. I have experience in ER, Labor and Delivery, Med/Surg, Geriatrics, and Pediatrics. I do more than vitals and basic patient care. The only things I'm unable to do that a RN can do are give IV push meds and hang the first unit of blood. I get offended when LPN's are protrayed as glorified techs. We are a very useful and valuable part of the nursing community!
gotpills

about 1 year ago

20 comments

What exactly is the difference between LPN/LVN? I plan on go to a vocational school for my training, do these titles apply state-wide or nationally?

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