Key Takeaways
- LPNs work in varied healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and schools.
- Common duties include monitoring vitals, administering meds, and supporting RNs and physicians.
- Flexible options like home health, travel nursing, and remote work offer diverse career paths and work-life balance.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic nursing care to patients in various settings. Typically supervised by registered nurses (RNs) or physicians, LPNs provide key services to patients, including:
- Monitoring patients and vital signs
- Administering medications
- Bedside skills like bathing and feeding
- Changing bandages
- Patient education
Explore 10 different healthcare workplaces that employ LPNs and their responsibilities in each setting.
What Is an LPN?
LPNs — known in Texas and California as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) — provide basic medical care to patients of all ages with various medical conditions. Because of their limited scope of practice compared to RNs, LPNs require supervision from an RN, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician.
Most LPN training programs take 12-18 months to complete. Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to practice as an LPN, after which they may seek specialty certification (e.g., IV therapy) or to obtain an RN license.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual LPN salary was $62,340 in 2024. LPN jobs are also projected to grow by 3% from 2024-2034, which is on par with the national average job growth.
10 Healthcare Settings for LPNs
LPN jobs are available in clinical environments and community settings. The following overviews detail the most popular workplaces for LPNs.
Frequently Asked Questions
