{"id":8818,"date":"2024-12-02T15:00:44","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T15:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=8818"},"modified":"2024-11-27T18:38:58","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T18:38:58","slug":"nursing-roles-what-lpns-can-and-cant-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/nursing-roles-what-lpns-can-and-cant-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Nursing Roles: What LPNs Can and Can\u2019t Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re considering diving into healthcare but need help figuring out where to start, becoming a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/lpn-lvn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great first step. LPN responsibilities range from hands-on bedside care to providing essential support to doctors and registered nurses (RNs). Becoming an LPN is quicker than becoming an RN, offering a fast-paced, rewarding career while building a solid foundation for future growth in healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have heard LPNs called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)\u2014they\u2019re essentially the same role, just called by a different name in California and Texas. For the purpose of this article, Vivian Health will use the term LPN inclusively as we delve into their responsibilities, what sets this role apart from others, the path to becoming an LPN and an overview of job demand and salary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>LPN Responsibilities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The LPN role is highly versatile and adaptable, with their scope of practice steadily expanding over time. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing outlines that the LPN scope of practice, under the supervision of an RN or physician, includes the following standards:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assisting in planning care for stable or predictable patients<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helping to identify patient needs and priorities with the RN, APRN or physician<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring patients and contributing to the development, modification and implementation of patient-centered care plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing nursing interventions and prescribed medical regimens safely and timely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accurately documenting care provided<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collaborating and communicating patient information to ensure quality and continuity of care<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advocating for patient rights, diversity and dignity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promoting a safe and healthy environment for patients and staff<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining professional boundaries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participating in quality improvement efforts to enhance patient outcomes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assigning and delegating nursing activities to assistive personnel based on their competence and skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participating in nursing care, health maintenance, patient teaching, counseling and rehabilitation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPNs meet patients&#8217; day-to-day needs while providing direct care. The role requires clinical LPN skills and compassion, balancing patient interactions with technical duties. Some specific LPN responsibilities may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring vital signs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Administering medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic wound care<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assisting with personal hygiene<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking patient histories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collecting samples<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assisting with procedures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charting and documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educating patients and families<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting RNs and doctors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information reflects the scope of practice for LPNs as of October 10, 2024, but it&#8217;s important to note that the scope is continually evolving. It\u2019s your professional responsibility to stay informed about your state&#8217;s specific regulations and limitations. Vivian Health has made every effort to gather accurate information from state boards, but we encourage you to verify with your local board to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7759\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/12\/LPNs-IV-Training-Resized-scaled-e1732653690402.jpg\" alt=\"LPNs in IV training\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>LPN Limitations and Restrictions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPN responsibilities can change depending on the state and the type of healthcare facility. For example, in some states, LPNs may be able to administer intravenous (IV) medications, while other states limit this task to RNs. Similarly, the type of healthcare facility plays a role. LPNs working in long-term care facilities might focus more on personal care and wound management. Alternatively, LPNs in hospital settings may assist with more acute medical issues and perform more advanced procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because every facility and state can have different scopes of practice, understanding local regulations ensures LPNs know what they can do where they live and work. Some LPN limitations and restrictions in certain states include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prescribing Medications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> LPNs can\u2019t prescribe medications in any state.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diagnosing Medical Conditions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPNs aren\u2019t authorized to diagnose medical conditions anywhere in the U.S. This task is exclusively for doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Developing Care Plans: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While LPNs often assist in gathering patient information, they don\u2019t have the authority to create initial care plans independently. In some states, LPNs may contribute to care plans under the supervision of an RN.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Administering IV Medications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An LPN\u2019s ability to administer IV medications varies widely. For example, LPNs in Florida can administer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/lpn-lvn-iv-therapy-napnes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IV medications with certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but California restricts LPNs from starting IVs or administering IV push medications without RN supervision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Managing Complex or Critical Patients:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> LPNs generally can\u2019t independently manage patients with complex or unstable conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Initiating Blood Transfusions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> LPNs aren\u2019t permitted to initiate blood transfusions in many states, including New York and Texas. They can assist in monitoring patients during the process but can\u2019t begin the transfusion.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Performing Advanced Assessments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> LPNs can assess basic vital signs and patient conditions but can\u2019t independently perform comprehensive patient assessments or interpret clinical data. RNs or higher-level healthcare professionals must perform advanced assessments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Administering Certain Controlled Substances: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Oregon and Nevada, LPNs can only administer certain controlled substances and only under the direct supervision or presence of an RN or physician.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Supervising Other Healthcare Workers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPNs can\u2019t supervise RNs in any state, but they may oversee nursing aides or other support staff in some settings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8820\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/Many-Types-of-Nurses-iStock-Resized-scaled-e1732653566172.jpg\" alt=\"Different types of nurses, CNA, LPN, RN, APRN\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><b>What\u2019s the Difference Between CNAs, LPNs and RNs?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/lpn-vs-cna-whats-the-difference\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">distinctions between various nursing roles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential for aspiring healthcare professionals. LPNs, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cna\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified Nursing Assistants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CNAs) and RNs each play vital roles within the healthcare system, but their scopes of practice and responsibilities differ significantly. The following table outlines the key differences and similarities in the scopes of practice for CNAs, LPNs and RNs, highlighting how LPNs fall between CNAs and RNs.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody valign=\"TOP\">\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>CNA<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>LPN<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>RN<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Education &amp; Training<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short training program 4 to 12 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass a certification exam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete a 12 to 18-month program, often through vocational schools or community colleges\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/nclex-pn-ncsbn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCLEX-PN exam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to obtain state licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associate of Science in Nursing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ASN), which takes about 2 years, or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (BSN), which takes about 4 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/nclex-rn-ncsbn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCLEX-RN exam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for state licensure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Scope of Practice\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responsible for basic patient care, including bathing, dressing, feeding and assisting with mobility\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responsible for taking vitals and reporting changes in patient conditions to nurses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can\u2019t perform clinical tasks like administering medication or handling complex procedures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, performing wound care and assisting with patient procedures like catheter insertion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited in administering IV and certain high-risk medications and can\u2019t independently create care plans or perform complex assessments based on each state\u2019s regulations\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No charge nurse responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broadest scope of practice\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can perform all LPN duties and manage more complex patient care (developing care plans, performing detailed patient assessments, administering IV medications and initiating critical care interventions)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take on leadership roles and care for unstable patients with more severe conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Supervision\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work under the direct supervision of LPNs or RNs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work under the supervision of RNs or physicians but may oversee CNAs\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work more autonomously than LPNs, though they often collaborate with LPNs, CNAs and doctors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can supervise LPNs and are accountable for patients&#8217; overall care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/lpn-vs-cna-whats-the-difference\/\"><b>LPN vs. CNA: What\u2019s the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Career?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><b>Collaboration Between LPNs and RNs<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In healthcare settings, LPNs and RNs collaborate closely. LPNs are responsible for patients with less complex needs who typically require routine care, allowing them to work independently and report to RNs when necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RNs oversee the broader, more critical aspects of patient care and are responsible for patients with complex conditions. They assess patients, develop care plans and manage more intensive treatments. While LPNs can manage their own group of patients, they frequently communicate with RNs about any significant changes in patient status or concerns that fall outside their scope of practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The teamwork between LPNs and RNs improves the efficiency of care delivery, ensuring that all patients receive the appropriate level of attention based on their needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Educational Pathways and Career Advancement for LPNs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPN education and training is typically shorter and more affordable than other nursing programs, allowing for quick entry into the workforce. An LPN role provides a strong foundation in patient care, making it a sustainable career path to stay in or an excellent stepping stone for further nursing education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become an LPN, you complete a structured <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/lpn-programs-from-curriculum-to-career-opportunities\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">educational curriculum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/in-person-vs-online-lpn-programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in-person or online programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This pathway includes several essential steps that equip aspiring LPNs with the knowledge and skills needed for their roles in patient care. Here\u2019s a closer look at the key steps involved in this educational process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earn a High School Diploma or GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an LPN Program: Most programs take about 12 to 18 months to complete and include classroom instruction and clinical training. An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/how-accelerated-lpn-programs-can-fast-track-your-nursing-career\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">accelerated LPN program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows for quicker education. Core subjects typically cover anatomy, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology and patient care.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acquire Clinical Experience: Students must complete supervised clinical hours in various healthcare settings, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced nurses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/prepping-for-success-nclex-pn-practice-questions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCLEX-PN Examination<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obtain State Licensure: Apply for licensure in the state where you intend to practice. Licensing may involve background checks and meeting other state-specific requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fulfill Continuing Education: Many states require LPNs to complete <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/how-to-find-free-ceus-for-nurses\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">continuing education units<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CEUs) to maintain their licensure. CEUs ensure that LPNs stay updated with the latest nursing practices and standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>LPN Career Advancement<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting in healthcare as an LPN offers a strong foundation for a fulfilling healthcare career, with numerous professional development and specialization paths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPNs can advance their careers by pursuing further education, such as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/bridge-your-career-gap-with-an-lpn-to-rn-track\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPN-to-RN bridge program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allowing them to become RNs and expand their scope of practice. These programs allow LPNs to build on their education and clinical experience, typically taking 1 to 2 years to complete and leading to an ASN or a BSN. After completing the program, aspiring RNs must <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/nclex-rn-ncsbn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pass the NCLEX-RN <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exam to obtain their RN license.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7881\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/01\/Pediatrics-LPN-with-young-patient-Resized-scaled-e1732653647156.jpg\" alt=\"LPN giving pediatrics patient a vaccination\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" \/><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/how-accelerated-lpn-programs-can-fast-track-your-nursing-career\/\">How Accelerated LPN Programs Can Fast-Track Your Nursing Career<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><b>LPN Specialities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPNs can pursue various certifications and specialties to enhance their expertise and career opportunities. These specialties enable LPNs to expand their knowledge and skills in targeted patient care areas. Some specialties include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/lpn-cltc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Certification in Long Term Care<\/span><\/a>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offered by the National Association of Practical Nurses Education and Services and requires 6 months of experience working with chronically ill patients\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/wta-c\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Certified Wound Treatment Associate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board and requires 2 years of experience as an LPN\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/chpln-hpcc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offered through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center and requires between 500 and 1,000 hours of relevant experience\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/money-taxes\/10-highest-paying-lpn-specialties\/\"><b>Related: 10 Highest Paying LPN Specialities<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><b>LPN Salary and Demand\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects LPNs will experience an average job demand growth of approximately 3% over the decade between 2023 and 2033. As of October 10, 2024, Vivian Health had over 3,400 open <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/lpn-lvn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">positions for LPNs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on its jobs marketplace, including staff roles, local contracts, travel contracts and per diem opportunities, with new listings added hourly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPN salaries can vary widely based on location, experience and the type of facility. According to salary data from Vivian Health on October 10, 2024, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/lpn-lvn\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average staff LPN hourly rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> nationwide was $29.33, with higher pay in states experiencing nursing shortages or for LPNs with additional certifications. Some of the higher-paying states during this time included the following hourly rates:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington: $43<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California: $38\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virginia: $38<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pennsylvania: $37<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missouri: $34\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New Jersey: $34<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Provide Essential Care as an LPN\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPNs are vital to the healthcare system, delivering crucial patient care and supporting the broader medical team. Their work ensures patients receive quality care while forming a crucial link between RNs, doctors and patients. As LPN responsibilities and regulations change and healthcare demands shift, LPNs should always stay current with shifting state regulations and consider expanding their knowledge through further education to enhance their healthcare careers. Whether by advancing to an RN or pursuing specialized certifications, LPNs have numerous pathways to move up the career ladder and continue making a significant difference in patient care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to advance your nursing career? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/register\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign up for the Vivian Health app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to explore the latest job opportunities, connect with resources for further education and stay updated on the latest in healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #124e3b; color: #fdfeff; font-size: 20px; border-radius: 10px; padding: 15px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 120px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn the ins and outs of what you\u2019ll be able to do working in different roles as an LPN. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":8825,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[491,496,303,426,90],"class_list":["post-8818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-resources","tag-lvn-lpn","tag-perm","tag-permanent","tag-staff","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/12\/LPNs-can-take-vitals-iStock-Resized-scaled-e1732656359756.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8818"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8818\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8825"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}