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.
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
Average Annual Salary
$59,730 per year
What is the future of this career?
Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 54,000 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
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 could I get the education/training?
- CT State Quinebaug Valley
- CT State Norwalk
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- Porter and Chester Institute
- Goodwin University
Licensing/Certification
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.
Please visit the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more information.
More Information
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc.
2071 N Bechtle Avenue, PMB 307
Springfield, OH 45504
703-659-0074
National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN)
P.O.Box 1895
Manitowoc, WI 54221
920-663-8450
National League for Nursing
The Watergate, 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20037
800-669-1656
