AHEC Connecticut
NURSING - Licensed Practical Nurse
To be a successful Licensed Practical Nurse you should...
- be caring and respectful of patients
- be competent and accurate in your work
- have a caring, sympathetic nature
- be emotionally stable, because work with the sick and injured can be stressful
- be able to follow orders and work under close supervision
- be able to work with the health care team
- act ethically and be legally accountable for your actions
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What will my job be like?
In addition to providing basic bedside care, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may also give injections and medications. They change dressings, evaluate patient needs, implement care plans, and supervise nursing assistants. In an office setting, they may make appointments and keep patient records. In a home setting, under the supervision of physicians and/or registered nurses. LPNs instruct family members in nursing care.
Where could I work?
Most LPNs are employed by nursing homes and home care agencies. They work a 40-hour week. They may work 8-,10-, or 12-hour shifts, including rotating weekends and holidays. LPNs may work day, evening or nighttime hours as assigned.
Other workplace settings:
- Community Health Clinics
- Home Health Care Services
- Mental Health Institutions
- Physician Offices
- Private Homes
- Residential Care Facilities
- Schools
- Temporary Help Agencies
What is the average annual salary?
$50,283
What is the future of this career?
Employment of LPNs is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through 2014 in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of health care services. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Completion of an accredited practical nursing program usually takes between 12 and 18 months. LPNs may continue education in nursing to become Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- A.I. Prince Regional Vocational Technical School, Hartford
- Bullard-Havens Regional Vocational Technical School, Bridgeport
- E.C. Goodwin Regional Vocational Technical School, New Britain
- Eli Whitney Regional Vocational Technical School, Hamden
- Henry Abbott Regional Vocational Technical School, Danbury
- Howell Cheney Satellite School, Enfield
- J.M. Wright Regional Vocational Technical School, Stamford
- New England Technical Institute, Hamden, New Britain, Shelton
- Norwich Regional Vocational Technical School, Norwich
- Stone Academy, Hamden and East Hartford
- Vinal Regional Vocational Technical School, Middletown
- W.F. Kaynor Regional Vocational Technical School, Waterbury
- Windham Regional Vocational Technical School, Willimantic
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Connecticut requires successful completion of the Practical Nurse program. Graduates will take a computerized state Practical Nurse examination.
Where can I get more information?
National League for Nursing
61 Broadway
New York, NY 10006
(800) 669-1656
www.nln.org
American Licensed Practical Nurses Association (ALPNA)
1090 Vermont Avnuee, NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 682-5800
National Association for Practical Nurse
Education and Service, Inc.
1400 Spring St, Suite 310
Silver Spring, MD 20910-2735
(301) 588-2491