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LPN Jobs: How to Find a Job as a Licensed Practical Nurse

If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking for a job, you’re in luck!  LPNs are in high demand, but finding the right job can be challenging. 

How do you know where to look? 

How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd? 

In this article, we’ll discuss finding a job as an LPN. We’ll also offer tips on making yourself stand out from the competition. 

An LPN is at her job assisting an elderly patient on a walker. They both smile at each other.
LPN Jobs: A Guide to Getting Started

Typical Licensed Practical Nurse Job Duties

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most LPNs work in healthcare facilities, including hospitals, doctors’ offices and nursing homes. 

Their duties generally include providing routine care, observing patients’ health, assisting doctors and registered nurses, and communicating with patients and their families.

Specific examples of their duties and responsibilities of an LPN include:

  • Changing dressings or inserting catheters
  • Taking patient histories and maintaining documentation
  • Assisting with tests or procedures
  • Providing personal care, such as helping with bathing and toileting
  • Consulting with RNs on care plans

As well as providing primary medical care under the supervision of an RN, those medical duties include:

  • Recording the patient’s history
  • Giving medication as prescribed by the physician
  • Taking vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature and weight
  • Basic wound care includes cleaning and bandaging injured areas
  • Giving injections of medications
  • Providing immunizations

Source: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/what-does-an-lpn-do/

LPN Salary Range

The salary range for LPNs varies depending on experience, geographical location and employer. However, the median annual salary for LPNs is $46,240. 

The top 10% of LPNs earn more than $61,330 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $36,090 per year. Salaries also vary depending on the type of facility in which an LPN works. 

In Indiana, the median annual salary for an LPN is $49,736 reported by Salary.com.

Highest Paying LPN jobs

The following healthcare sectors that pay the highest salary to LPNs:

  • Occupational Health
  • Rehabilitation
  • Hospice
  • Geriatric Care
  • Nephrology

LPN Clinical Jobs

Clinical LPN administers medical treatment and works with patients directly.

Most LPNs work in assisted living; they typically care for the patient by taking their vitals, changing bedding, feeding them and keeping track of their medical file. Clinical LPNs provide immunizations and give the patient their daily medication.

LPN Home Health Jobs

There is a high demand for Home Health LPNs. If you have patience, hospitality and communication skills, going for a Home Health LPN job may be the right fit.

Home Health LPNs provide one-on-one care to the patient from the comfort of the patient’s home. They monitor the patient’s health, create care plans and spend time with them.

How to find practical nursing jobs

First, you must become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); to do so, you must pass the NCLEX-PN Exam to earn your license from your state board. You can become an LPN in as little as one year.

If you are a Hoosier, apply for the Workforce Ready Grant with Next Level Jobs. You could become an LPN at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University for free if you qualify.

If you are already an LPN, let’s dive in!

After you earn your LPN credentials, it’s crucial to stand out. 

  • Create a resume showing you are knowledgeable and ready to grow.
  • Take on an internship to gain hands-on experience with actual patients.
  • Do your research on healthcare employers who are looking for an LPN.
  • Network with medical professionals in your area to learn more about open roles available.
  • Create a profile on LinkedIn and Indeed to show employers your skillset, as well as be easy for recruiters to find you.

It’s essential to focus on developing the right skill sets that are needed to be a successful LPN; these skills include:

  • Helpful communication skills
  • Empathy
  • Time management and organization
  • Kindheartedness
  • The ability to lift and move patients
  • Teamwork and independent skills
  • Robust knowledge of primary health care procedures
  • Understanding how to measure and administer medication to patients
  • Ability to walk or stand for long periods
  • Ready to learn, adjust and grow

With LPN jobs increasingly in high demand, you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit.  

Are you interested in becoming an LPN? Here is our comprehensive Licensed Practical Nurse Guide that can help you get started. 

You could get free training to become an LPN within one year by visiting Next Level Job’sWorkforce Ready Grant Page.