A licensed practical nurse must operate only under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a physician. LPNs are often found working under the supervision of physicians in clinics and hospitals. A licensed practical nurse is often responsible for taking and recording patients vital signs and measurements and administering medication. In long term care facilities, Licensed Practical Nurses sometimes supervise nursing assistants and orderlies.

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LPN Salary

Overall, LPN salaries are based on years of experience, location, the type of facility and shifts.

According to Salary.com, the current median expected salary for a typical Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States is $37,028.

As stated at PayScale.com, LPNs in the states of New Jersey and Washington have the highest median annual salary at $40,000 and LPNs in Pennsylvania have the lowest median annual salary at $30,989.00.

A recent survey reveals that a new Licensed Practical Nurse earns about $11.88 per hour but can very greatly based on location, as follows:

New England - $14.65
Middle Atlantic - $12.08
East North Central - $12.60
West North Central - $10.84
South Atlantic - $11.53
West South Central - $10.11
Mountain - $11.76
Pacific - $14.16

LPN Job Outlook

A recent survey indicates that approximately 702,000 jobs were held by licensed practical nurses, with the highest numbers working in hospitals and nursing care facilities.

Employment opportunities for licensed practical nurses are expected to be excellent in the years to come. Between now and 2012, the number of LPNs is expected to increase at a steady pace due to the growing elderly population, which requires more care from trained, Licensed Practical Nurses, and the general growth of health care. Job growth will be faster than the average in physician's offices and outpatient care centers.

There is an expected growth of 10%-20% through the year 2010 for LPNs. Nursing schools are graduating far more LPNs than they have in the past in order to keep up with the demand in the job market.

As long-term care of elderly patients will be an increasing concern to the nation's health care system, exceptional needs for LPNs in nursing homes will continually increase as well.

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