Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) both play important but different roles in the healthcare industry. Both careers offer the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives. Institutions and government programs provide opportunities for professional training in LPN courses. After passing the study, you can get job opportunities in the nursing profession and learn the required practical knowledge.
LPNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed. LPN students take courses in human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical and surgical nursing, nutrition, patient assessment, and nursing processes. They also complete hundreds of hours of clinical rotations in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.
Necessary skills and knowledge
LPNs must have a broad base of knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective care to patients. In addition to having a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology, LPNs must be able to effectively assess patients, develop care plans, administer certain forms of medications, and perform basic medical procedures, such as drawing blood.
Supervisory responsibilities
LPNs typically have more supervisory responsibilities than CNAs. In many healthcare settings, LPNs oversee CNAs and other members of the nursing team. In some cases, an LPN may also be responsible for managing patient care tasks and coordinating the efforts of the care team.
salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs earned an average annual salary of $51,850 as of May 2021, or $24.93 per hour. LPNs in the top 10 percent of all earners earned $63,790 or more annually, while nurses in the bottom 10 percent earned $37,150 or less.
