With more in-depth training than a CNA but less than an RN, LPNs are critical members of a patient’s care team. LPNs can work in a diverse range of healthcare environments, including skilled nursing facilities, post-acute care centers, clinics and hospitals.
Whereas an RN must earn at least an associate degree in nursing, which takes an average of two years, an LPN can complete training in about a year. In California and Texas, the professional title is LVN, but there’s no difference in the scope of practice. In this article, LPN will be used to refer to both.
Understanding the role of an LPN
LPNs provide basic care, such as bathing and feeding. They’re also responsible for more medically intensive tasks like administering medications and helping patients complete treatment protocols. This makes it an attractive role for people just starting out and a viable career path for CNAs and caregivers looking to expand their skill sets.
Where can LPNs work?
Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities
By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be over age 60, and by 2050, that demographic is expected to nearly double. As the aging population grows, so do the opportunities for LPNs working in these settings. LPNs provide elders with daily care and monitor their health. At times, they may serve as the facility's nurse on duty.
Hospitals
In hospitals, LPNs work on multidisciplinary teams and may manage CNAs. Depending on the hospital and their experience, LPNs can work in the ED, surgical units and more. Hospitals can be fast-paced (depending on the shift), making them ideal settings for those who thrive in high-demand environments.
Doctors’ offices
In doctors’ offices, LPNs handle daily tasks and collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals. Since they are usually part of a person’s primary care team, they may get to know patients better than in, say, a hospital, where they may only see each patient for a few hours or days. LPNs looking for more of a personal connection with their patients may find this setting to be a good match. The schedule tends to be Monday through Friday, during regular business hours.
Home healthcare
There are significant opportunities for LPNs working in home healthcare. According to one study and many articles, people prefer to age in place, and LPNs in home healthcare provide personalized services that empower them to do so. Home healthcare roles are projected to increase by 21%, much faster than the national average work growth rate, which is 4%.
Lesser-known workplaces for LPNs
In-patient rehabilitation facilities
LPNs working in in-patient rehabilitation facilities help patients regain independence after severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke or amputations. Patients in these facilities receive at least three hours of rehab every day, and LPNs serve as part of a complete rehabilitation team, which may also include RNs, physicians and psychiatrists.
Outpatient surgery centers
In outpatient surgery centers, people receive same-day surgeries for a range of issues. LPNs assist in pre- and post-operative care and work in various disciplines, from ophthalmology to gynecology. Some outpatient surgery centers are connected to hospitals, and some are stand-alone buildings, but all adhere to strict surgery protocols. Many are Medicare-certified.
Schools
LPNs in educational settings provide basic healthcare for students and faculty. They administer medications, educate students and help maintain a healthy learning environment. One benefit of this setting is that it gives nurses a Monday through Friday work schedule and, like teachers, summers off. This makes it a good fit for those with children in school or those who desire a more predictable schedule.
Medical/clinical call centers
With the growth of telehealth, LPNs have found opportunities in call centers, where they provide medical advice and assistance over the phone or via video. Some LPNs may even be able to provide telehealth services from home.
Insurance companies
LPNs at insurance companies work behind the scenes. They may analyze benefits packages, process claims, pre-authorize procedures and more. The job is sedentary, with little direct patient contact outside of speaking with patients on the phone, and the hours are typically Monday through Friday.
Unique opportunities for LPNs
Forensic nursing
Forensic nursing is a catch-all term for nursing that involves victims of violence. Forensic LPNs may help gather evidence that helps these victims, assist in investigations or give testimony in court proceedings. They work at coroner or medical examiner offices, community violence centers, hospitals and more.
Working from home
Opportunities abound for LPNs in remote roles, including medical coding, billing, transcription and even freelance medical writing.
Travel nursing
Travel LPNs address healthcare workforce shortages in various locations, often with the benefit of higher pay and the excitement of travel. Generally, travel LPNs work with agencies and recruiters who connect them with work opportunities and housing.
ShiftKey: The technology platform LPNs use to find PRN shifts in diverse environments
The largest in the nation with over 6,000 facilities in more than 120 markets, ShiftKey operates the technology platform that over 140,000 independent, licensed professionals trust when looking for PRN shifts. LPNs using ShiftKey’s platform to find PRN shifts are empowered to work in a variety of settings. They also choose their rate and decide when they work.
When it comes to work, LPNs have choices
LPNs have a range of work opportunities, whether in traditional healthcare settings or more unique environments. Their expanded skill set not only enhances their career prospects but also significantly contributes to the quality of patient care. Wherever they choose to work, LPNs are essential to the success of healthcare teams. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, LPNs will continue to be an integral part of it, adapting to and meeting tomorrow’s healthcare challenges.
