LPN Salary: Duties of a LPN

Name: Linda J. Meikle
Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Where: Columbus, Ohio
Employer: K-Force Professional Staffing and Maxim HealthCare
Years of Experience: Graduated LPN School in 1971. 36 years.
Education: GED and LPN School and coursework for RN at various colleges.
LPN Salary: According to the PayScale Research Center, the average LPN salary ranges from $31,794 to $43,309 in major cities.

LPN Salary: Duties of a LPN

In a previous Salary Story, we learned about the job outlook on registered nurse careers. In this interview, we spoke to Licensed Practical Nurse Linda J. Meikle about factors that affect a LPN salary, duties of a LPN (mentioned at her blog: dustyangels.blogspot.com), her job in LPN nursing home care, the requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse candidates and advice for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse; this Salary Story covers the vitals and more!

In addition to her knowledge of the salary of Licensed Practical Nurse professionals, the duties of a LPN, and the average income of a Licensed Practical Nurse, Linda has written a memoir, “Dusty Angels and Old Diaries." This is her life story depicted from diaries that she kept most of her life. She says it is a book for women (and nurses!) who want to be strong. Learn more at lindasbookshelf.com. And keep reading this Salary Story as she describes the duties of a LPN, a LPN salary and more!

LPN Job Description:

My daily duties as a Licensed Practical Nurse depend on which nursing agency I’m working for on that day. I’m employed by two nursing agencies and one nursing home, so I can set my schedule according to my preferences and I don’t get bored! I’m also a professional photographer specializing in wedding photography, so I want to be available for photography appointments.

Generally, the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) is responsible for passing out medications and doing treatments, but assignments and responsibilities are affected by the type of facility where you are employed. Most LPN’s select an area of nursing that they enjoy and stick to that, such as a staff nurse in a nursing home or private duty (home care) through a nursing agency. Many hospitals today don’t post job positions for LPN’s, but will sometimes hire an experienced LPN where they had posted for a Registered Nurse.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Registered Nurse.
Education is the key to increasing your salary in nursing. There are degrees and certifications that will increase your salary and make you a more valuable employee. In this economic downturn, education is a key strategy for a successful career as a Nurse. Click here to Research Nursing Degrees.

I have tried to keep my medical knowledge well-rounded with continuing education and extra certifications. I’ve always requested crossover training when possible, such as the emergency room, pediatrics and intensive care. I’ve taken specialized courses for geriatrics, dementia and Alzheimer's, medications, wound care and more. I’ve taken LPN supervisor courses and additional CPR courses. I’ve passed the EMT Course (Emergency Medical Technician) and am IV and ACLS (Advanced Care Life Support) certified.

I do all this so that my options continue to be fluid and unlimited. Presently, I work on the skilled unit of a local nursing home taking care of post-surgical hip replacements and other elective surgeries, and I alternate between doing private duty in a home setting, or working for the MRDD (mentally retarded developmentally disabled) population. At the nursing home, I keep the medications given, as ordered by the doctor, and give pain meds (pills and shots) as needed. Also, I change dressings (bandages), give tube feeding through a tube in the stomach called a G-tube and limited (very limited) intravenous care.

Each state has different regulations for what a LPN can and cannot do. In Ohio, I can do less with IV’s than in Florida where I am also currently licensed as a LPN because my family lives there. We also are expected to complete physical assessments. We take vital signs that include temperature, pulse and respirations and blood pressure. We are the eyes and ears for the doctor, and we are expected to call the doctor for any changes in the condition of any patient.

How does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) differ from a Registered Nurse (RN)?

The Nurse Practice Act defines both the RN and LPN. It says that practical nursing is the performance of certain duties, including administration of treatment and medication in the care of the injured or sick, and promotion of wellness, maintenance of health and prevention of illness under the direction of an RN or a licensed physician. While the LPN may have a wealth of knowledge over a long and productive career, this does not make her a RN. The LPN is always required (no matter what state she works in) to work under the direction of a RN or licensed physician.

While RN’s are allowed to perform more procedures with less supervision, sometimes the job responsibilities can be the same and often overlap with the LPN. This often leads to friction and resentment if all the nurses (LPN’s and RN’s) are not respectful and professional. The difference between the RN and LPN is in education, training and pay. Sometimes the experienced LPN actually knows more than a new RN, but the RN is always “in charge”.

What were your career steps leading up to your present job, LPN nursing home care?

My career steps to become a Licensed Practical Nurse started when I was 18. After high school, I thought I wanted to become a teacher or registered nurse. However, I lived with my grandparents and thought I couldn’t afford college. I also thought I wasn't "smart" enough to be a college student. I was wrong on both counts. I could have qualified for college tuition due to my poverty level at that time.

Thankfully, I was working as an aide in a local nursing home, and a RN who worked with me offered to let me to live with her family and go to practical nursing school for a year. I’ve always been grateful for that special family. I worked at Kettering Hospital in Dayton, Ohio to help pay my expenses.

Any advice for those interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Please use it as a stepping stone for higher education. You can work as a LPN when you’ve passed state boards after one year of training and make fairly good money, but if you don’t further your education, you will always have a limited scope of practice and endure comments such as, “You are not a real nurse" and jokes like, “LPN stands for ‘Let’s Play Nurse’." Even though LPN’s are a valuable part of the healthcare system, many times they are not recognized for their contributions and experience due to their limited formal education.

What is the job outlook for those interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Great! I have never forgotten how our instructors drilled us day after day that, within our lifetime, the LPN would be replaced with the RN. That was almost 40 years ago, and today we still are alive and well. Our job description has changed somewhat; we often find ourselves doing bedpan duty and answering call lights (again), but that also depends on where you choose to work. Every state has as a strong board of nursing that can be quickly accessed by a Google search. In my opinion, the LPN will always have job opportunities.

What factors affect the average income of a Licensed Practical Nurse?

LPN's are paid by the hour, while many RN’s work on a fixed salary as administrators. Factors that affect a LPN salary include years of experience (many new grads have a hard time getting work), geographics, extra certifications such as IV Therapy or ACLS (Advanced Care Life Support), Telemetry (heart monitoring) training and continued education. LPN salaries are also affected depending if you work in the private sector vs. governmental.

How does your salary compare to the average income of a licensed practical nurse? The PayScale Salary Calculator is a quick and easy way to compare positions. But when you want powerful salary data and comparisons customized for your exact position, be sure to build a complete profile by taking PayScale's full salary survey.

• More LPN Salary Info - Median Hourly Rate
• Traveling Nurse Salary - blogs.payscale.com
• Duties of a LPN - bls.gov
• Find out more about Becoming a LPN
• Information on Becoming A Nurse - Nurse Job Salaries

Comments

[TERESA SMART]

WHY DO SOME L.P.N'S ACT SO MEAN TO THE C.N.A'S ? YOU SHOULD BE NICER TO THEM THEY ARE DOING ALOT OF HARD WORK EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT L.P.N'S THEY ARE PEOPLE AND IT'S A CERTAIN WAY TO TALK TO PEOPLE . SO L.P.N AND R.N DON'T LET YOUR TITLE GO TO YOUR HEAD.!

[TERESA SMART]

I HAVE BEEN AND C.N.A FOR 13 YEARS AND I AM CURRENTLY IN SCHOOL FOR L.P.N AND I WILL LIKE TO TELL ALL C.N.A TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL FOR L.P.N OR R.N BECAUSE C.N.A'S WORK TO HARD AND THE PAY IS NOT GREAT. I LOVE MY RESIDENTS AND THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH BUT YOU DEFINITLY NEED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL . PLEASE DO!!!

[jane rowland]

Hi I want to become a RN, I've been a CNA for 3 years, but I need some help finding a great program, anyone have any suggestions thanks

[Celena]

I have recently taken an interest in becoming an LPN. I just want to work in the medical feild. I want to end my shift knowing that I made someones day, made them smile or feel good about themselves. I really don't think I could handle becoming a nurse aid because they do all the dirty work, but I respect them for that. I was just curious as to the LPN responsibilities. In all the feedback I just read from everyone else, it sounds to me they would be in charge of the nurse aids in a nursing home facility.

Please inform me if this is correct.

Thanks!

[June]

At age 52, (retired computer programmer from DOD) I have withdrawn from the RN program at the community college at the 11th week of the first semaster of clinicals due to a hearing loss. I completed the Nursing Assessment class with an A, and enjoyed that very much. 3 months ago Cleveland Clinic did ear surgery for me and now an opportunity to sign up for the LPN program is being offered to me. I don't know how good my hearing will progress to, although it is getting better (probably about 85% to 95% right now). Question: how well does one need to hear in the nursing profession? Thanks so much for any comments. Also, what sort of classes would be helpful to take while waiting to be called to start the LPN program?

[roberta]

hi,I havee 2 certifications in phlebotomy,and am geting nowhere,so thinking going on to get my LPN's,where is there a good nursing school around New carlisle ohio,

[Geo]

LPN is a good career no matter if you work o no in the hospital also if you are looking for a good salarie is ltc. nursing homes,o correction.but the most important is always to keep continue your education. I guest the first step is to guet your licensed as a lpn and then take Rn on line o lpn to Bsn.if you want to advanced you career. I hope this been helpfuld.

[Geah]

I am going thru the LPN program now and it is a very intense 12 month course. I do plan on going further with my education but I really don't see the need to at this point in my life..I have been a CNA for 13 years and I have learned so much and I feel that as a LPN I will have so much to learn there also. I truly enjoy working as a nurse I get along well with my clients. The problem that I have in this field is, yes we all need money and to make a living but there are a lot of people getting into the RN program and the field or working as a RN that don't really have a desire for nursing just that it pays alright and it's an easy way to manage all you need is a degree, which does not mean they are well suited for the job. It seems as if everyone is getting their degrees in nursing for the money..They are also not looking at the fact that you are never going to be rich as a RN not even comfortable because you work good and long hours for that money and your license is always up for grabs if you make any mistakes. I would tell anyone get into it only if your heart is in it and you feel comfortable "really" taking caring people.

[Tanya]

I am intersted in becoming a lpn Does anyone know of a good program that i could do at home

[Theresa Jackson]

I am currently in the pre-nursing program(LPN)at my local community college. Recently my life maps instructor asked us to find someone working in the area each of us is studying and ask them to give us a Day in the Life of in my case LPN. Can aqnyone help me? Thank You

[Dee]

Steffanie,

Yes it will be impossible to get into an lpn program without either a highschool diploma or GED. You need one of these to be considered for the program.

[steffanie]

im intrested in the medical field as of right now i work full time as an HHA i dont have an GED or High School Diploma will it be hard for me to advance myself witin a carrer without one? can i go to an training school or is that a waste of time? PPLZZ PLZZ HELP ME!!

[MELISSA E]

i am currently going to get my ged and hopefully enroll in lpn classes soon. i have a couple of friends who do this job and enjoy it, so i don't see why the rn's get mad if we try to do some of the things they do, according to my friends the lpns do more than rns

[stephanie mundy]

when i go back

[Tommiesha]

Hi my name is Tommiesha and i am working on my hsed. i life goal is to become an lpn.Once i am set into i good finacial setting i plan on onening my own clothing store. Do you think that becomming an lpn will help me reach my altament goal

[Patricia Sheehan]

I am an LPN and have been for 36 years. I have just left a job with Kaiser Permanente which I was at for 10 years. I am IV certified and very good at starting IV'S. I worked at Fitzsimons army hospital during Desert Storm in onocology. I was chemo certified while working there. I also worked on an ambulance in Peoria, Illinois from 1975 to 1984. I was in a pilot paramedic program in 1975 while working on the ambulance. When not on calls we worked in the ER'S at three different hospitals. I was am EMT prior to going in the paramedicc program. I would like to work on an IV team if possible part time. I am moving to Columbus on the 5th of march and I will have letters of recommendation. If you have any questions please e-mail me. Thank You

[Jelbert]

thanks for the info and the experience you have shared ,i learn a lot, cause i looking forward to become a RN....

[Simarjit singh]

I joined two year nursing school in community college in fall 2007. I Learned all the fundamentals of nursing, and I successfully completed the first semester. I took patient's vitals and provided other care to my assigned patient in clinical setting. However, I cant carry on the course due to personal reason .I NEED TO KNOW IF I CAN GET A JOB AS NURSING ASSISTANCE UNTIL I DECIDE TO GO BACK IN THE PROGRAM? HOW DO I FIND A JOB?

[Megan]

What's the highest position of a nurse? And if you dont mind my asking, what's the pay?

[wayne]

I have been a LPN for over 32 yrs and very proud of it.I work in a hospital in OR Hoilding,I draw blood start IV's admit also.The RN in charge cannot do what I do she takes forever to admit a patient.The RN's went to goverment to make all these rule against LPN's so they make sure a LPN' cannot take there place in hospital settings or jobs, shame on them.Education is not everything.LPN's should fight back and get some power back in the nursing field.

[Trudy]

I NEED HELP. I AM GOING TO BRAZIL FOR AN EXTENDED VISIT. I AM A LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE HERE IN THE U.S. 21 YEARS EXPERIENCE....A SEASONED NURSE..I WANT TO WORK IN BRAZIL. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING ONLINE FOR COMPARISON OF BRAZILIAN LPN TO USA LPN. I NEED ANSWERS...CAN ANYONE HELP ME. MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS trudyabdelsayed@gmail.com