LPNs care for sick or disabled individuals under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. They gather samples for urine testing, prepare and administer injections, assist patients with personal hygiene (bathing, dressing), and some may help in childbirth delivery and caring for the infant.
The majority of nursing training programs last for one year; these programs are generally offered by vocational schools and community college. The program involves classroom study and supervised patient care. Training covers patient care topics, such as physiology, pediatrics, drug administration, anatomy and psychiatric nursing.
To practice as a LPN, an individual must pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. It is a computer-based exam; the main categories are psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, physiological integrity, and safe and effective care environment.
LPNs should be emotionally stable, perceptive, caring, compassionate, and possess sound decision-making and communication abilities.
According to Indeed.com, the median salary for LPNs in October 2009 was $47,000.