Tempe, Arizona is renowned for its beautiful scenery, diverse culture and exciting activities. As one of the oldest cities in the valley, it has evolved into a bustling hub. Plus, its close proximity to downtown Phoenix makes it an ideal place to pick up additional clients.
Unlock the Opportunities with Per Diem LPN Jobs in Tempe, AZ
The city of Tempe is a rapidly growing hub of employment in the Southwest. With its vibrant art and music scene, diverse population, and abundance of job opportunities, Tempe is a great place to work and live. For those looking to get into the healthcare industry, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a great foot in the door. Keep reading as we explore the job duties of an LPN, how to get your LPN license in Arizona, the average salary of an LPN in Tempe, and how to find per diem jobs with an app called Nursa. Also, what are the pros and cons of living and working as an LPN in Tempe, Arizona.
What Is An LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional who provides basic care, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, performing wound care, and providing patient education. LPNs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities, and they are supervised by Registered Nurses (RNs) and doctors. LPNs also work alongside certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
Job Duties Of An LPN
1. Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
2. Administering medications and injections
3. Assisting with procedures, such as dressing changes, wound care, and catheter insertion
4. Assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating
5. Providing patient education, such as teaching about diet, exercise, and self-care
6. Monitoring patient progress and reporting changes to the supervising RN or doctor
7. Communicating with other healthcare professionals
How To Get Your LPN License In Arizona?
To become an LPN in Arizona, you must successfully complete an accredited practical nursing program, pass the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-PN), and be licensed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The practical nursing program must consist of at least 1,500 hours of training, including classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience. Once you've completed the program, you can apply to take the NCLEX-PN. After passing the exam, an applicant can submit your LPN license with the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Average Salary Of An LPN In Tempe
The average salary of an LPN in Tempe, Arizona, is $47,490 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average of $45,720. LPNs who work per diem jobs earn much higher than average.
LPN Shortages In The Medical Field
LPN shortages in the medical field are becoming an increasingly serious issue. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will increase by up to 25 percent by 2026. However, the number of nursing school graduates is not keeping pace with the projected demand. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that the number of nursing school graduates has declined significantly since 2010, and the AACN projects that the current nursing workforce will fall short of the needed number of nurses by 1.2 million by 2025.
The shortage of LPNs is due many reasons, such as an aging population, the effects of the pandemic, etc. Therefore, the population requires more healthcare services, while dealing with a lack of available nursing faculty, and a shortage of qualified nursing applicants. In addition, the high cost of nursing education and the low wages offered to LPNs are contributing to the shortage. No wonder so many LPNs are turning to per diem jobs in order to make more money as a nurse. It only makes sense to pick up jobs by the shift nearby that pay much higher wages for working in the same locations.
What are Some Locations in Which LPNs Work Near Tempe?
One awesome thing about Tempe, Arizona is its proximity to Phoenix. In fact, Tempe is the first city to the east of Phoenix before you get to other cities such as Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Apache Junction.
Hospitals Hire LPNs to Alleviate Nursing Shortage
To address the LPN shortage, many hospitals and healthcare organizations are turning to alternative methods of recruiting, such as offering tuition assistance and other incentives to attract qualified applicants. Additionally, many organizations are offering flexible scheduling and telecommuting opportunities to accommodate the needs of working nurses. Finally, some states are looking into increasing the number of nursing school slots in order to create a larger pool of qualified applicants.
Staffing Shortages Concern Administrators & Doctors More Than Omicron
What Does PRN Mean in Medical Terms, and How Does it Apply to Working Shifts for LPNS?
PRN stands for "as needed" or "as required." In healthcare staffing, it refers to a type of work schedule in which a nurse is only scheduled to work when needed rather than on a regular or full-time basis. This type of schedule is often preferred by LPNs, as it provides more flexibility and freedom. When LPN pick up PRN shifts via an open marketplace app, like Nursa, they earn a higher hourly wage and the facility pays less money than they would with a staffing agency. Essentially, this eliminates a middle man and everyone comes out with more money overall.
Finding Per Diem Jobs with an App Called Nursa
For those looking for per diem positions, the Nursa app is a great way to find work. Nursa is an online platform that connects nurses with employers who are looking to fill per diem positions. The app allows nurses to search for available jobs in their area, create a profile, and apply for positions.
Living and Working as an LPN in Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona, is a great place to live and work as an LPN. The cost of living in Tempe is slightly higher than the national average, with a median home price of $280,000. Arts and music are major themse in this city with galleries, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year.
The Pros
• Affordable housing
• Abundance of job opportunities
• Diverse population
• Vibrant arts and music scene
The Cons
• High cost of living
• Limited public transportation
• Difficult to find parking
Should You Pick Up PRN Jobs in Tempe, Arizona?
Work per diem shifts as an LPN in Tempe is a great way to earn some serious cash while gaining valuable experience in the medical field and advance your career. With its diverse population, abundance of job opportunities, and vibrant arts and music scene, Tempe is a nice city for per diem LPNs and other healthcare workers.
