The terms licensed practical nurse (LPN) and licensed vocational nurse (LVN) are often heard together, and it is a question of what is the difference between them. The most basic distinction comes down to geography. LVNs are nurses of the same level of education and training in California, and Texas, but are just titled differently. Almost every other state refers to these nurses as LPNs. Both titles of nurses pass through the same amount of training, which culminates in the completion of the universal exam of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). To learn more about the exam, registration, fees, and other requirements, please click here.
How To Become an LPN/LVN?
One of the most attractive aspects of becoming an LPN is that the training can be completed in most states in about a year. It is a wise career choice to start off in nursing. The most beneficial thing about becoming an LPN is that it opens doors and experiences that help enhance life experiences and help fine-tune expertise. This is a field of expertise that someone would like to specialize in. It is a great opportunity to hone skill sets learned from registered nurses, doctors, and allied staff all while providing people with medical care. Nursa is a helpful tool to help newly graduated or experienced LPNs find much-needed PRN shifts in the nursing field. With Nursa LPNs are able to select the assignments, timeframes, and even the location of jobs they want to fulfill. LPNs must complete a one-year training program that combines classroom lectures in biology, pharmacology, and nursing with supervised clinical experiences. There are many courses in colleges, universities, and even high schools that help with the initial training and classes to become a LPN. Every state has different rules on how much clinical and hands-on experience with patients is needed, so it is advisable to do a bit of research before traveling for per diem shifts using Nursa.
What Are the Major Duties of LPNs/LVNs?
Under the instructions of a RN or doctor, an LPN can be expected to do numerous tasks to help patients. LPNs can work in numerous healthcare facilities, like clinical research, long-term care facilities, telemetry, intensive care units, emergency rooms, and many other healthcare units. Most basic elements which make up the daily job requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- Monitoring basic patient health such as vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels
- Changing dressings, wound care, or inserting/removing catheters
- Taking patient histories and maintaining vitals and medication documentation
- Preparing and assisting with tests or procedures
- Providing personal care, such as helping with eating, walking, bathing, and toileting
- Consulting with RNs and doctors on care plans
- Give medication
What’s The Average LPN Salary?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average salary for a starting LPN is around $50,000 a year, which breaks down to about $24.00 an hour. The BLS also has estimated that the job growth for LPNs will increase by %52 by the year 2030. This makes the LPN field a very attractive career choice. Many LPNs go on to further their education and become RNs, health educators, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
How to Land the Right LPN PRN Jobs
As mentioned before, NursA helps LPNs find per diem shifts all over the US. Nursa is easy to use and the best solution when wanting to expand horizons working as a LPN. The easiest way to use the Nursa application is to download the application. Then to set up a personal profile, all that is needed is professional documentation uploaded, approved, and LPNs can start searching for assignments anywhere they want to go. What better way to explore the US, gain new knowledge, comradery, and experiences? Nursa helps healthcare facilities fill empty PRN shifts that are in high demand, and the best thing is that most PRN shift placements pay even more than regular contract workers. One of the best ways to explore the LPN career path is by using the Nursa application, which gives the freedom to choose when, where, and how long you want the assignment to be.
