Licensed Practical Nurse

What does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) do?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) are directly involved in providing basic patient care and ensuring that patients are comfortable and well cared for. There will be times when an LPN administers certain medications and performs other duties such as taking blood pressure, inserting catheters, and recording other vital signs.

An LPN and Registered Nurse (RN) differ in their scope of practice, their daily duties often overlap. An RN is usually involved with more complex decision-making, while an LPN primarily handles basic nursing care. A career as an LPN, which only requires a one-year diploma or certificate, offers quick access to the promising field of nursing, while an associate or bachelor’s degree is required to become an RN.

Minimum education and training

Completion of a Licensed Practical Nurse program and a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn credentials, and six months health care experience. CPR (BLS for Healthcare Provider) and AED certification may also be required.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

In addition to strong clinical skills, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills are needed when interacting with colleagues, patients, and families. Basic computer skills, including keyboarding. Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality and manage time effectively.

Days/hours

Schedule will be based on work location; an LPN can be found on all shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Position locations

• Primary Care Offices
• Nursing Homes
• Inpatient Hospital Departments
• Specialty Clinics

Work environment

Patient interaction in a clinical setting.

Pay range

$23.00 – $33.51 Hourly

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Possible career pathways

Examples of pathways within this job family at the University of Rochester:

• LPN > RN >Advanced Practice RN (APRN)
• LPN > RN > Assistant Nurse Manager  > Nurse Manager  > Nursing Director

Become an LPN

• Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing
• Genesee Valley BOCES
• Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing
• Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
• Monroe Community College
• Rochester Educational Opportunity Center