Healthcare

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs, called LVNs in California and Texas) provide basic nursing care — monitoring patients, administering medications, changing bandages, and assisting with daily activities — under RN or physician supervision. They work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health, and clinics. Becoming an LPN requires completing a 12-month state-approved program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.

National median salary

$62,340

trending_up +2.6% 10-yr outlook

BLS OEWS, most recent release.

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Time to certify

1-2 years

quiz

Required exam

NCLEX-PN

payments

Exam cost

$200

school

Education

Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program

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Renewal

Every 2 yrs

work

Annual openings

54,400

What it's actually like

A day-to-day reality check, grounded in current practitioner sources — not just the salary math.

schedule

Hours / week

36-40

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Shift length

8 or 12 hours

date_range

Weekends

rotation

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Where you work

nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals +2 more

checklist A typical shift

check_circle Review patient charts and receive shift reports to assess patient conditions and plan daily care.
check_circle Administer medications and perform treatments like changing bandages or monitoring catheters for multiple patients.
check_circle Monitor and record vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, documenting all observations.
check_circle Assist patients with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating.
check_circle Collect samples like blood or urine for laboratory testing.
check_circle Communicate patient status and any concerns to supervising Registered Nurses and physicians.
check_circle Educate patients and their families on care plans and health management.

Physical demand

High

The role requires standing and walking for long periods, lifting and transferring patients, and performing repetitive movements.

Stress level

High

Stress stems from heavy workloads, the emotional toll of patient care, and fast-paced environments.

thumb_up Best fit if

add_circle You are patient and can remain calm when dealing with individuals who are scared, in pain, or stressed.
add_circle You are physically capable of being on your feet for long shifts and can lift or move patients.
add_circle You are highly organized and can manage multiple patient-care tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced setting.
add_circle You work well within a team, collaborating closely with doctors, RNs, and other healthcare staff.

thumb_down Skip if

do_not_disturb_on You require a predictable 9-to-5, weekday schedule, as many roles involve rotation-based weekends and evenings.
do_not_disturb_on You are squeamish about direct contact with bodily fluids and performing personal hygiene tasks for others.
do_not_disturb_on You find it difficult to manage high-stress situations or handle the emotional weight of caring for ill and injured people.
do_not_disturb_on You are looking for a role with significant autonomy, as LPNs work under the direct supervision of RNs and physicians.

Sources cited (21)

The Landscape

Beyond salary, state-to-state differences in licensing requirements are substantial. While all states require licensure, continuing education (CE) demands vary wildly, from no CE hours in states like Arizona, Indiana, and Mississippi, to 30 hours every two years in California or Nevada, or even annual requirements in Washington and Kentucky. Some states also mandate highly specific coursework, such as a 4-hour bioterrorism course in Nevada or 2 hours on LGBTQ topics in DC, which can add complexity for out-of-state applicants seeking licensure mobility.