What Are the Benefits of an LPN Career?

If you are sick of the daily grind and looking for a fast-paced and rewarding career, you may want to consider many of the benefits of an LPN career. An LPN, also known as a licensed practical nurse, is an essential part of the medical team providing basic nursing care for their patients. Benefits of an LPNThey normally work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or a medical doctor.

The actual duties performed by an LPN depend on the state they practice in, but generally they are in charge of bedside duties. In some states, an LPN can monitor patients on respirators, insert peripheral IV lines and other similar duties. Becoming an LPN can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about helping others. In the following article, we will be looking at many of the advantages and benefits of an LPN career.

Benefits of an LPN

LPN Job Outlook

Those seeking a reasonable amount of job security should look towards the LPN as a career choice. Even with the economic uncertainties we have faced over the past few years, the demand for healthcare still continues to grow. One of the main reasons for this projected growth in healthcare is due to the number of baby boomers that will necessitate more care over the next decade.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics currently projects a growth of over 150,000 LPN positions through the year 2020. This is a 22% growth in the field which is well above the average of all other occupations. At the current time it is difficult to say, but the best guesses still have a higher trending demand after 2020.

Career Advancement

One of the benefits of an LPN career is the ability to transform one’s professional path to a higher position. It is not that uncommon for an LPN to further their education and eventually become a registered nurse. Not only does the experience of being an LPN help with the extra education, but you find a vast number of LPN to RN bridge programs that make this leap quicker and less painful.

LPN Salary

Of all the benefits of an LPN career that catches most peoples’ attention is that of the salary. In 2011, the annual median salary for an LPN was $41,200, according to careerinfonet.com. This is a fairly substantial salary for a post-secondary non-degree occupation; in fact it ranks up there with a number of occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree.

Quick LPN Programs

Another of the benefits of an LPN career is the ease to find a training program. Most community colleges, vocational schools and some medical facilities offer LPN training. A growing number of aspiring licensed practical nurses are getting their training through cyberspace by enrolling in some of the great online LPN programs.  One of the best parts of LPN training is the short amount of time it takes. Depending on the program LPN Programsyou enroll in, you may be able to finish your training in as little as 9 months.

Flexibility of Hours

Since LPNs are needed 24/7, you have the ability to set your own hours to fit your schedule. This is especially great for people who work as an LPN as a second job or have other commitments to deal with at the same time. The flexibility is one of the benefits of an LPN career that may go unnoticed by some but it can be a big time saver.

As we have seen, there are a number of advantages for those looking to start a career as an LPN. One thing that is not mentioned here may be the most important, which is the emotional rewards one gets from this job. You will find yourself helping others and making a difference in the lives of many. This is one of the benefits of an LPN career that may not show up on your paycheck, but it might be the most important of all.