Courtney Joy
Everest University Online
The Life of a Licensed Practical Nurse
Nursing is one of the most popular occupations in the U.S. The number of nurses in the United States is expected to expand to 3.2 million by 2018, accounting for at least 581,500 new jobs for upcoming nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Just think if the nurses expand by that much, what will happen for all of other jobs. This essay will inform the reader the requirements and benefits of taking on the role of a LPN. Licensed Practical Nursing is an extraordinary field that requires physical and emotional abilities. While researching this career, I have had the great opportunity to explore the responsibilities, …show more content…
Therefore, this field requires someone with a personality that benefits the patient’s feelings and well-being. Nurses must care about their patients (Aspiring Nurse, 2013). Patients may not be feeling like themselves every day, so a nurse should be able to deal with many types of behaviors concerning a patient. A nurse should be able to handle the stress and the range of emotions that he/she will feel on a daily or weekly basis (Aspiring Nurse, 2013). When working a nursing job it is all about making the patient comfortable and making sure the patient is taken care of in the best possible way. If there are any ulterior motives or biases, a person will not be able to succeed as a nurse.
Extended care or long terms nursing facilities (such as skilled rehabilitation hospitals and nursing homes) are the most common employment settings for LPNs (Davila, 1993-2013). Although most people would think a nurse should be working only in an office or hospital or some sort, the truth is that nurses work in many places. A nurse can work anywhere like general care hospitals, medical offices, community health centers, and even in a patient’s home. Nursing services are often provided around the clock. LPNs will have a variable work schedule that often includes nights, holidays, and weekends (Davila, …show more content…
The salary has jumped up more since 2011. The average salary of a nurse today can range $47K-$68K. LPN compensation is higher in more populated regions of the U.S. where there are many large healthcare facilities (Davila 1993-2013). Also, the pay can wage differently depending on what state or country you are in. Most LPNs work with elderly people, and since the U.S. population is aging quickly, the demand for these nurses will grow (Davila 1993-2013). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, LPNs will see their job opportunities expand by about 22 percent (an above-average rate) through 2020 (Davila, 1993-2013). Jobs that will likely be the most available for a LPN will be home healthcare, long term care, doctor office jobs, and assisted