Although there are many benefits associated with being a licensed practical nurse (LPN), there are also some drawbacks. For instance, the salary ranges do not reflect the real quality of the job applicants because the LPN jobs vary greatly in pay scale, pay range and responsibility level. This is the reason why it is very important for the aspiring LPNs to take the necessary steps that would help them improve their chances in securing the best LPN jobs. The LPN aspirants who are aware of the fact that there are various limitations as far as the salary scale is concerned would be able to select the best jobs that come their way without much hassle.
Usually, the LPNs who choose to practice a specialty are required to have a degree in that specialty. Usually, the LPNs who are employed in hospitals carry an RN license which is an average salary requirement. On the contrary, practitioners who wish to work as LPNs in doctor’s offices or clinics have a license to practice that particular specialty, but they are not required to have an RN degree. The LPN aspirants who have the knowledge of the difference between these two licenses are often able to secure jobs and earn an average salary. Otherwise, they would have to rely on the medical facilities which might not provide them the salary they desire.
Another important aspect of securing good LPN jobs is the duty of care the practitioner is expected to perform. The RNs are required to provide basic patient care including bathing, dressing and providing assistance to the patients with physical disabilities. The duties of the LPN are far different from the RNs’ duties in providing nursing services. In addition, the RNs are also required to provide intensive care to the patients and to handle complicated situations such as those that occur when a patient is allergic to certain medicines. The LPNs can only do these tasks in accordance with the nurse practitioner job description given by the state they are working in.
While the RNs work to make the patient comfortable and well at ease, the LPNs ensure that the nurse practitioners understand the vital signs of the patient and how to appropriately act in such situations. It is the responsibility of the LPNs to be able to determine the correct medications, the correct dosage and how to administer them to the patient in order to prevent him or her from suffering harm or discomfort. They are also required to follow the directives of the nurse, even if it means making some inconvenient changes to the patient’s daily routine.
Earning a degree in nursing is not easy, but the rewards are plentiful. Some of the best LPN jobs are available to those who are trained in this specialty and have passed the licensure exam for practicing nurses. Licensing requires passing several sections of the NCLEX-RN, including clinical and professional responsibilities, record keeping, record maintenance and record confidentiality. It is not uncommon for the licensing board to request potential practitioners to take further training so that they are more adept at treating patients with a range of illnesses. Those who pass the NCLEX-RN are considered the best potential candidates in their field and are usually paid well by their employer.
RNs working in a doctor’s office carry a slightly higher responsibility level compared to those working in nursing homes. However, the pay and benefits are usually better, since LPNs are paid more and receive more benefits than nurses. The duties involved in practicing include performing preventive care for patients, giving a diagnosis and referral to another practitioner, administering medication, lab testing and ordering tests and x-rays. These practitioners must also be able to follow and apply the directives of the physicians directing them, and may also be asked to perform certain tasks not under their direct supervision. Individuals who want to pursue careers in this field should consider becoming one of the best candidates for LPN jobs in order to reap the benefits offered by the job.