Licensed Practical Nurse
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Measure and record vital signs
- Observe patient condition changes and report concerns
- Administer medications as permitted by state scope of practice
- Perform wound care and dressing changes
- Collect specimens for lab testing
- Support activities of daily living such as bathing and mobility
- Provide basic patient education on care plans and medications
- Maintain clear and timely clinical documentation
- Follow infection prevention and safety procedures
- Coordinate care with nurses, providers, and caregivers
Top Skills for Success
Patient Monitoring
Medication Administration
Wound Care
Infection Control
Clinical Documentation
Electronic Health Records
Patient Education
Team Communication
Empathy
Time Management
Basic Life Support
Specimen Collection
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Licensed Practical Nurse
Charge Licensed Practical Nurse
Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse
Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse
Skilled Nursing Facility Licensed Practical Nurse
Transition Opportunities
Registered Nurse
Nurse Care Coordinator
Clinical Supervisor
Case Manager
Nurse Educator
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Intravenous TherapyPhlebotomyElectrocardiogram MonitoringGeriatric CareBehavioral Health SupportDe escalationTelehealth WorkflowsDelegation
Development SuggestionsUse employer training, community college certificates, and supervised practice to build technical skills like intravenous therapy and electrocardiogram monitoring. Ask for structured feedback during shifts to strengthen delegation, communication, and prioritization. Seek rotations or shadowing in geriatric and behavioral health settings to expand comfort with complex patient needs.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 40,000 to 50,000
Mid LevelUSD 50,000 to 60,000
Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 75,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, supported by an aging population, chronic disease management needs, and ongoing hiring in long term care, home health, and outpatient clinics.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
HCA HealthcareAscensionKaiser PermanenteGenesis HealthCareBrookdale Senior LivingDaVitaAmedisysEncompass Health
Industry Sectors
HospitalsSkilled Nursing FacilitiesAssisted LivingHome HealthPrimary Care ClinicsRehabilitation CentersDialysis CentersCorrectional Healthcare
Recommended Next Steps
1
Confirm your state scope of practice and keep your license in good standing2
Maintain Basic Life Support certification3
Build a focused resume that highlights patient volumes, key skills, and documentation accuracy4
Strengthen Electronic Health Records proficiency through practice and short courses5
Pursue Intravenous Therapy training if common in your target setting6
Ask for cross training in wound care and chronic disease management7
Prepare a clear story for interviews using recent clinical examples8
If you want broader responsibility and higher pay, explore an LPN to RN bridge program