Licensed practical nurse, or LPN, jobs are a popular choice for those wanting to get into the nursing field. A licensed practical nurse is responsible for providing nursing care in one or more institutions, and may be able to help diagnose problems and prescribe treatment. While many nurses begin their careers as an assistant nursing officer, or APRN, they often find their calling while still studying to become a registered nurse. Some people choose to go on from there to become an RN, or RN-to-RN, but many nurses complete their training and find that they want to work behind the scenes, assisting nurses with patient care and administrative duties. If you’re thinking about going back to school to get your LPN license, you might want to check out nursing schools near you.
There are many types of lpn jobs available, including managing and supervising nurses, administering treatments to patients, and making beds. If you have been working in the medical field for a few years, you may be surprised to hear that you can have opportunities as a manager of a lpn team. This means that you would be involved in all aspects of patient care, reporting to the RN and the doctor, and being paid an hourly wage. You may also be responsible for ordering supplies, filing paperwork, and even giving lectures to nursing students. Many times, a lpn will be involved in administering treatments to patients such as pain relievers or helping to manage medication.
Nursing schools are some of the best places to find lpn jobs, because many RNs train to be LPNs. RNs are trained to perform duties in medicine that are similar to that of a licensed practical nurse. For example, an RN will help prepare patients for hospitalization, assist doctors in examining and treating them, and keep track of vital signs. In some cases, RNs will be trained to perform surgery or even give anesthesia, but most will be placed in nursing homes or nursing facilities. In these facilities, a licensed practical nurse will perform more LPN duties than a lpn, especially if there are a lot of patients.
You may have a desire to become a nurse’s assistant or LPN, so if this is the case you will want to consider continuing your education to become a licensed practical nurse. There are online programs as well as college-based nursing programs where you can earn your LPN degree. The decision will depend on which one works better for your schedule and personality. Many people feel comfortable working as an LPN because this is what they already do, but if you have a special interest in a specific area of nursing or medication, you may want to become involved in RN programs.
Another option for finding lpn jobs is to contact local hospitals, nursing facilities, or pharmacists to inquire about openings. Often times, these employers hire registered nurses with experience in the field on an on-the-job basis. These positions are often temporary and not permanent, so you may be required to work a few weeks while you get trained. It is not unlikely, however, that you will be hired long-term if you perform exceptionally well in an interview and meet other requirements.
Finding lpn jobs does not have to be difficult. If you have an interest in becoming a licensed practical nurse, take a good look at local opportunities. RN vacancies are often listed in public forums, nursing schools, doctor’s offices, and hospitals, so if you are interested you should take advantage of these resources to apply online for a position.
