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A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is the same as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) but the term Licensed Vocational Nurse is only used in a few states. LPN’s provide patient care and are supervised by physicians and/or registered nurses.
Being a LPN / LVN requires good people skills as people in this position spend much of their time interacting with patients as they provide them with basic care. LPNs and LVNs monitor patients, dress wounds, administer medications and perform a variety of other tasks related to patient care. The nature of the work requires excellent people skills, adaptability, patience and a calm personality. Nursing can be emotionally and physically demanding and those thinking about entering the profession should consider that before embarking on this career path.
For those people that are considering a nursing career but are not sure if nursing is for them becoming an LPN is a good way to “test the waters” so to speak and see if nursing is the right career for them. It requires less of an investment in terms of the education programs required to become and LPN so one can enter the field more quickly. It is a great way to discover if you like nursing enough to continue on with your nursing education and become a Registered Nurse.
Career Outlook - Canada
QUICK FACTS
(source: Service Canada's jobfutures.ca) |
| NOC Code |
3233 |
| Career Outlook |
Fair |
| Average Hourly Wage |
$18.52 |
| National Avg. Hourly Wage |
$18.07 |
| Unemployment Rate |
1% |
| National Unemployment Rate |
7% |
Service Canada lists the employment prospects for Licensed Practical Nurses as fair because employment is growing at an average rate. The number of retirements also contributes to the number of new opening s available. It is important to note that the situation for LPNs varies quite a bit depending on your province and whether you live in a rural or urban area. Follow the links below to find information to your specific province.
In order to remain competitive LPNs should consider acquiring the skills to work in acute and home care as well as the ability to work with critically ill patients. Furthering their education to keep up to date with any technoligcal advances will also help LPNs stay competitive.
Career Outlook – United States
QUICK FACTS
(source: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook) |
| SOC Code |
29-2061 |
| Career Outlook |
Faster than average growth |
| Expected Employment Growth (2006-2016) |
14% |
| Avergae Annual Earnings |
$36,550 |
**Use the green search bar above to find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs.