As a licensed practical nurse (LPN) — referred to as a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, in California and Texas — you're a pivotal part of a healthcare team that tends to patients daily. LPN jobs are found in many settings, including skilled nursing facilities and residential care centers, hospitals, and home healthcare services. The LPN scope of practice is not as comprehensive as that of a registered nurse, but the role's responsibilities are still critical to high-quality care.
Licensed practical nurse jobs are expected to be in demand over the next decade thanks to the aging of the baby boomer population, as well as the fact that outpatient centers are performing many of the procedures that were once exclusive to hospitals. Whether you're seeking full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem work, we can help you find your next LPN job today on Credenza.
Education and Certifications for Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs
In order to become an LPN, you’ll need to graduate from a certified practical nursing certificate program, which typically takes a year to complete. In addition to nursing, your coursework will cover biology and pharmacology, and you’ll get hands-on clinical experience to help you prepare for caring for patients.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn a certificate, but you must pass the NCLEX-PN to receive your license, which is required in order for you to be legally qualified for LPN positions.
You'll likely need to hold basic life support (BLS) certification for most practical nurse jobs. At this point, you’ll be able to assist RNs and provide basic nursing care, which includes:
- Taking and monitoring a patient’s vital signs.
- Helping patients with eating, dressing, and using the bathroom.
- Preparing patients for diagnostic tests.
To deepen your clinical knowledge, consider pursuing the following certifications if they're relevant to your specialty area:
If you’d like to learn more about what skills employers are looking for, check out this LPN job description sample.
LPN Resume and Cover Letter
In order to stand out from the competition when applying to the best LPN jobs, your resume should align your skills to the specific requirements you see in a job ad. For example, if an employer lists “experience with wound care best practices” at the top of their list of qualifications, you’ll want to be sure you include that very phrase in your LPN resume if you have relevant training. In your cover letter, be sure to demonstrate valuable soft skills, such as empathy and patience.
Not sure what else to put in your cover letter when you’re applying to jobs for LPN professionals? Check out our LPN cover letter template for inspiration.
Interviewing for Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs
Employers use an interview as an opportunity to see what you’re like in person and gauge your verbal communication skills. At the same time, you have a chance to evaluate them — interviewing is very much a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the culture and priorities of the organization. The information can help you determine if the job is a good fit for you.
To help you prepare, take a look at some of the LPN interview questions employers might ask and practice your answers ahead of time.
Specialty Areas for LPN Positions
If you're trained in a specialty nursing area, you can search for jobs in that field. Here are some examples:
Salary for Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs
The average salary for LPN nursing positions is $67,050 per year. What you earn can depend on a variety of things, including your education level, the state in which you work, and the facility itself.
Demand can also play a role in what you can earn. For example, Texas and Florida are among the five states that employ the most LPNs, but the average pay in both locations is lower than in Alaska and Washington, which are among the five states that pay the most to LPNs. These are some states that pay the highest salaries to LPNs:
Check out a few job postings on Credenza to see what LPN jobs' salary expectations are in your location.
Don't Wait — Get a Great LPN Job Today
We know there are a lot of LPN jobs out there to choose from. Find out how we can match you with the best LPN positions in your area today.
