FAQs: Your guide to PRN licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs
Want to know more about working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
Learn more about this frontline role in healthcare here.
Find out everything about LPNs, from how to become one to how to make more money as an LPN, and how to find PRN LPN jobs near you!
Keep reading and discover the most common questions about LPNs and PRN LPN jobs.
1. What is an LPN?
LPN stands for licensed practical nurse. An LPN is licensed through their state’s nursing board and has practiced for a period of time to be able to practice nursing.
LPNs may work in different healthcare facility settings and in hospitals. Depending on the setting, they may report to a registered nurse or a physician.
LPNs are crucial to the healthcare system because they provide essential direct care to patients. Additionally, they often work as part of a team of professionals to implement care plans for each patient.
2. What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?
Both RNs and LPNs are nurses, so what’s the difference?
An RN is a registered nurse, and an LPN is a licensed practical nurse. The main difference between them lies in the type of nursing program and, therefore, their scope of practice.
An RN typically studies longer, earning either an associate's degree (ADN) or a bachelor's degree (BSN). This training lasts between two and five years. In contrast, an LPN program is typically 12-18 months long. Although there may be accelerated programs that take less time, or programs that take longer.
Because of this difference, LPNs have a different scope of practice than RNs, with different responsibilities for patient care. Primarily, LPNs engage in hands-on patient care.
Other differences include salary range, which is lower for LPNs than for RNs, and career advancement opportunities. Thus, RNs can access a wider range of nursing specialties. However, an LPN may undertake a study to become an RN, such as a bridge program, while working.
Many nurses choose to first become LPNs and then after working for a while advance to become RNs, precisely because of the cost and the time of study.
3. What is a typical day for an LPN?
A typical day for an LPN varies greatly according to the type of job and facility in which they work. An LPN may have different responsibilities in a hospital setting than in a nursing home or in home healthcare.
However, some common primary responsibilities of an LPN include the following:
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Basic nursing care
- Patient monitoring throughout the day
- Team meetings
- Patient education
- Wound care
- Administration and documentation
In summary, a typical day for an LPN requires different assignments related to patient care. While on duty, they are usually on call for patients, and their day changes according to each patient's needs.
4. What are the typical duties of a PRN LPN?
While per diem (PRN) LPNs might seem like a great difference because of their flexible schedules and the ability to switch jobs, they perform the same core duties as other LPNs.
5. How can I know if being an LPN is right for me?
How do you know if being an LPN is right for you? First, it is important to evaluate why you want to become an LPN. It is important to know if, as an individual, you possess a compassionate nature that will enable you to care for patients at a time when they are most vulnerable.
In addition, there are practical considerations, such as the expected salary and time commitment for the program. It is also true that most nursing jobs require shift work, usually without the ability to choose whether to work days or nights, on weekends, or during holidays.
One advantage of becoming an LPN is the ability to grow in your career. You can enroll in a bridge program that allows you to advance to an RN while you work, and that’s just the beginning.
In addition, job security is not usually a concern for LPNs, as it is a high-demand job. Overall, if you are interested in the healthcare and nursing field, starting with a career as an LPN or CNA (certified nursing assistant) is a great idea to see if it is the right fit for you.
6. Where do most LPNs work?
Most LPNs work in multiple healthcare settings, such as nursing homes (long-term care or skilled nursing facilities) or residential care facilities, where they provide care to elderly or disabled patients. In these settings, they are primarily engaged in assisting residents with daily living activities and monitoring patients' health status.
Many LPNs also work in hospitals. In these settings, they provide basic medical care, administer treatments, and support a multidisciplinary team in caring for patients, usually under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. LPN hospital jobs provide LPNs with the opportunity to learn from different experiences and offer more competitive salaries.
Another place where LPNs often work is in physician clinics. There, they take vital signs, assist with exams, and have more predictable hours and shifts.
Additionally, LPNs can work in home healthcare, rehabilitation centers, specialized clinics, and schools.
7. How much do LPNs make?
The salary of LPNs varies greatly depending on many factors. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary for an LPN is $29.97 per hour or $62,340 per year. Salaries vary by region and state.
Experience and work setting are other factors that affect LPN salaries (generally, in a hospital, LPNs earn more).
Finally, LPNs who work per diem (or PRN) tend to earn more per hour than LPNs who earn a salary.
8. How can I become an LPN?
To become an LPN, individuals need to take the following steps:
- Finish high school and have a diploma or GED to enroll in an LPN program.
- Complete an accredited LPN program, which usually lasts one to two years.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
- Obtain licensure in their state. (Some states have more requirements than just passing the exam, so the state nursing board is the best option for detailed information.)
- Start working and gaining experience.
Generally, during their nursing programs, LPNs will gain a lot of practice. However, some jobs will require candidates to have a few years of experience.
Becoming an LPN is less expensive and quicker than becoming an RN. Furthermore, once licensed, LPNs can choose how to work, i.e., in permanent jobs or as PRN LPNs.
9. What does PRN mean for LPNs?
PRN stands for “pro re nata”, a Latin phrase meaning “as needed”. PRN jobs are also known as per diem jobs. Working as a PRN or per diem LPN means working on an as-needed basis, without a fixed schedule. That means that PRN LPNs fill in when there are staffing shortages, call outs, no-shows, or schedule gaps.
Some advantages of working as a PRN LPN, in addition to flexible scheduling, include the following:
- Potential to earn more money per hour
- Exposure to a wider variety of healthcare environments
- Opportunity to gain new and diverse experiences
- Opportunity to spend more time with family, have hobbies, and even have free time.
For many LPNs, working these types of shifts offers a huge advantage in terms of being able to take jobs when they can, or to supplement the work they already have.
10. How does PRN scheduling work?
PRN LPNs have greater flexibility. They can choose when and where to work. When facilities need to fill a shift, PRN LPNs can decide whether they want to take that shift or not. There are platforms and agencies that offer this type of work, providing flexibility and ease for LPNs.
Thanks to the flexibility offered by PRN LPN scheduling, many LPNs decide to move closer to this type of work.
11. Can I work another job while working as a PRN LPN?
Yes, many PRN LPNs also have other employment, either part-time or full-time. The flexibility that PRN work offers allows you to supplement your current income and even gain experience in other settings.
12. What skills are important for a PRN LPN?
PRN LPNs need skills very similar to any LPN, but they also change work settings frequently, so some common skills for a PRN LPN include the following:
- Adaptability to new and different environments
- Communication skills to work with new people and new teams
- Attention to detail for accurate assessments and patient monitoring
- Compassion and empathy for providing direct patient care
- Strong administrative skills, to ensure that everything they do is documented
- Professionalism and respect for patients and coworkers
13. How long does LPN school last?
The duration of an LPN program generally ranges from 12 months to two years; it’s the fastest path to nursing. Many LPN students work as CNAs to support themselves financially while in the program.
There are accelerated programs, lasting between nine and 12 months, which require full-time study. Programs lasting 15 months, two years, or five semesters tend to be more extensive and provide more clinical experience.
Individuals should confirm that the program they choose is approved by their state board of nursing.
14. Are there any LPN online programs?
Yes, there are online LPN programs. These are usually labeled as “hybrid” programs that allow students to do most of the classroom study online (clinical hours cannot be completed online).
A big advantage of taking an online program is the possibility to study at one's own pace, as well as to access distant universities without needing to move. Online programs make it easier to accommodate schedules for working individuals.
15. Can I transition from a CNA to an LPN?
A bridge program from CNA to LPN is possible. Generally, CNAs start by looking at the requirements of an LPN program and seeking to validate common nursing subjects to shorten the study.
Many CNAs begin their nursing careers with the very thought of becoming LPNs in the future. Specifically, some institutions provide guaranteed admission to an LPN program for CNAs with high grades. This way, greater support is provided for individuals seeking this educational path.
16. Are there any specialty certifications I can get as an LPN?
Yes. LPNs can pursue additional specialty certifications. Because their scope of practice is different from that of RNs, the LPN specialty certifications list is different, but there’s quite a variety. These certifications for LPNs include the following:
- Pharmacology
- IV therapy
- Wound care
- Infection control
- Developmental disabilities certification
- Urology
- Long-term care
Some advantages of specializing include improving earning potential, increasing job opportunities, and feeling more useful in one's profession.
17. Can LPNs make nursing diagnoses?
In general, no. LPNs are dependent on another healthcare provider within their practice. Therefore, LPNs cannot make diagnoses on their own.
However, LPNs are able to participate in the process of diagnosis to learn more from RNs and physicians. They can monitor patients, assist RNs, and help ensure that interventions for each patient are effective.
If you are an LPN who wishes to perform nursing diagnoses, you can continue your training and become an RN.
18. Can I transition from an LPN to an RN?
LPNs are nurses, and their profession is as rewarding and important as that of any nursing professional. To become RNs, LPNs can complete a bridge program and acquire an ADN. This program usually lasts 12 to 18 months, and it is possible to do it while working.
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam and getting licensed, they can start working as registered nurses.
After obtaining an ADN, they can go on to do a bridge program to obtain a BSN. Some benefits of advancing and becoming BSN-educated RNs include a higher earning potential and more job prospects.
19. Can LPNs find travel nursing assignments?
Yes, LPNs can work as travel nurses. For this, they’ll need some experience before starting travel contracts. In addition, LPNs need a valid license for the location in which they wish to work. The benefits of travel nursing include higher pay and flexibility that allows them to travel and experience new places.
Travel nursing assignments usually last from eight to 26 weeks, with 13 weeks being the typical duration. They are in high demand due to the nationwide nursing shortage. However, another attractive option for LPNs is per diem LPN jobs, mentioned above.
Per diem jobs have higher hourly pay and do not require the nurse to move far. They provide even greater flexibility by allowing LPNs to take whatever shifts they want. This allows nurses to take control of their careers and their time.
20. How to get high-paying LPN and PRN LPN jobs?
In order for LPNs to get well-paying jobs, the following strategies can help:
- Seek out the highest-paying locations.
- Get specialty certifications, such as IV therapy or certifications that allow them to work in the ER.
- Gain experience and continue their education.
- Use platforms like Nursa to find high-paying jobs.
If you are already an LPN or if you want to become one, congratulations! You have reached a decision you will not regret. Although nursing work is hard and the hours are long, nurses are among the most valued professionals in the world.
It is through nurses that patients get to know kindness and care in a time of crisis. It is thanks to dedicated nurses that the processes of pain and fear can become moments of understanding and hope.
With Nursa, LPNs have the option of getting high-paying shifts with a flexible schedule. If you are wondering “how to find PRN licensed practical nursing jobs near me,” just join our team.
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