Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)

Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) Overview

Amanda Gamboa, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

An LPN (licensed practical nurse) provides nursing care to patients under the direction of a physician or a registered nurse. LPNs are known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas. LPNs/LVNs have defined scopes of practice in each state. Many LPNs are responsible for administering medications, assessing and recording vital signs, collecting patient samples, providing personal care to patients, and other nursing duties.

LPNs and LVNs who enjoy working closely with patients and other healthcare providers may find this career path very satisfying. For others interested in nursing but not ready to commit to the time and cost of a two- or four-year degree, the relatively short path to begin work as an LPN is appealing as an introduction to the role of nursing.

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?

LPNs and LVNs perform many of the same tasks as registered nurses (RNs), including:

LPNs usually practice independently when performing these tasks. Their scope of practice is determined by a combination of state law and institutional policies. LPNs must work under an RN or a physician in some situations, such as those involving specialty medications and medically complex patients. Some institutions do not hire LPNs at all, or at least not in areas where patients are likely to be medically complex and require specialty medications.

In some settings, LPNs/LVNs may delegate tasks to CNAs (certified nursing assistants). CNAs are healthcare providers with less training and a more limited scope of practice than LPNs. CNAs are often employed in skilled nursing facilities alongside LPNs. Working as an LPN/LVN requires good teamwork and communication skills, like all bedside nursing positions. Good time management, problem-solving skills, and compassion for patients are key attributes of successful LPNs/LVNs.

How Much Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Make Per Year?

LPNs/LVNs reported an annual median wage of $48,820, or $23.47 per hour. The median wage means that half of LPNs/LVNs made more than this number, and half made less than this number. The highest annual wages of LPNs/LVNs reported were in California; the highest average annual wage was $75,950. The lowest average wage in the continental U.S. was reported in West Virginia; the average annual wage was $38,940, or $18.72 hourly, for LPNs in that state.


Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.  

In addition to geographical differences, licensed practical and vocational nurses will note changes in pay based on experience and type of institution. Skilled nursing facilities employ the most nurses, while community colleges and outpatient care centers pay the highest wages among industries employing LPNs. LPNs/LVNs employed at community colleges in teaching positions reported an annual average income of $60,570. Similarly, LPNs at outpatient care centers reported an annual average income of $56,320.

Where and When Do Licensed Practical Nurses Work?

LPNs and LVNs are most commonly employed at skilled nursing facilities, such as long-term care or rehabilitation centers. These places of employment serve patients who are medically stable but still require professional nursing interventions, such as medication administration, airway maintenance, feeding assistance, or wound care. Many LPNs are also employed by physician’s offices, home health agencies, medical and surgical hospitals, and retirement and assisted living communities for the elderly.

In facilities that are always open, LPNs/LVNs can expect to work 12-hour shifts, as these long hours provide consistency for patients. Day shift is usually 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and night shift is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Working three shifts within seven days is generally considered full-time employment. Night shift employees may be eligible to earn a higher hourly rate of pay. LPNs/LVNs at skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living facilities may also be expected to work some holidays and weekends.

LPNs and LVNs working in clinics generally work business hours, and thus have fewer or no shifts on weekends or holidays. Home health LPNs/LVNs may follow an hourly schedule, be on-call, or some combination of these options. Some licensed practical and vocational nurses choose to work with only one or two clients at a time. For example, LPNs/LVNs provide care for patients in their own homes under a contract established with patients or their families.

How Do I Become A Licensed Practical Nurse?

After completing high school or earning a GED, you can apply to an accredited licensed practical/vocational nursing program. LPN/LVN programs are usually offered at community colleges or vocational or technical schools. Some high schools offer dual credit or early enrollment programs for students pursuing a nursing certification, while many hospitals and healthcare institutions offer their own certificate programs. Application requirements for LPN/LVN programs may include an entrance exam to demonstrate an appropriate level of general knowledge and reading skills prior to starting the program.

LPN and LVN programs are generally one to two years and include lecture-style courses and clinical experiences. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) exam. This exam provides national certification to LPNs and LVNs. After passing the NCLEX-PN, an LPN/LVN must then apply for licensure in the state where they plan to practice. State licensure applications often require an additional fee and a background check. Maintaining state licensure is required to practice as an LPN/LVN, and each state has different regulations regarding how many hours of continuing education must be completed per year throughout a practical or vocational nurse’s career.

Additional Patient-Centered Careers With Short Training Requirements

If you are interested in caring for patients and exploring careers in health, you may also be interested in the following:

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) and often work in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.
Certified medical assistants (CMAs) support healthcare providers in clinics and other outpatient settings by completing a combination of patient care and clerical tasks.