6 Rewarding LPN Career Benefits and The drawbacks

The 6 Good Things about Being an LPN

1. Easy Entry

One great thing about becoming an LPN is that it doesn’t take a long time to start.

LPN programs usually last about 12-18 months. That means you can begin your nursing career relatively quickly.

2. Lots of Jobs

Hospitals and clinics are always looking for skilled healthcare workers like LPNs.

This need for LPNs is growing. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says there will be even more LPN jobs in the future.

It is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations

So, if you become an LPN, you’ll have a good chance of finding work.

3. Many Places to Work

As an LPN, you can work in many different places.

You can choose to work in a hospital, clinic, or even help people at home.

This lets you explore different aspects of nursing and find the work setting that suits you best.

4. Hands-On Care

LPNs get to help patients directly.

You’ll learn to take vital signs, give medicine, and offer basic medical care.

LPNs develop strong clinical skills that are valuable in providing quality patient care.

If you enjoy taking care of people, this job is for you.

5. Paths to Advance

You can start as an LPN with a diploma or certificate and go even further in your nursing career.

Many LPNs become Registered Nurses (RNs) with more education. This can lead to more responsibilities and higher pay.

6. Good Pay

While LPN salaries can change depending on where you work, they usually offer a good salary.

According to the government entity BLS, the typical LPN makes around $48,820 every year.

That’s not bad for a job you can get relatively fast.

The 5 Not-So-Good Things about Being an LPN

1. Limited Duties

Compared to RNs, LPNs have a more limited scope of practice. .

They can’t do certain advanced procedures or make big decisions by themselves.

This means you might have less control over your work.

LPNs work under the supervision of RNs or physicians, and their duties focuses on providing basic patient care.

This limitation can affect the level of autonomy and responsibility in the role.

2. Stress and Hard Work

Working as an LPN can be physically and emotionally demanding.

LPNs often have to deal with stress, heavy workloads, and tough cases.

You might need to care for patients with serious illnesses, and that can be emotionally tough.

This stress can lead to burnout.

3. Keep Learning

To keep your LPN license, you need to keep learning and meet the continuing education requirements .

It may involve taking additional courses and staying current with healthcare regulations.

This can take time and effort.

You’ll need to take more classes and keep up with healthcare rules and changes.

4. Weird Hours

LPNs sometimes have to work at strange times, like evenings, nights, and weekends.

It depends on your healthcare setting and where you work.

These hours can make it hard to balance work and personal life.

LPNs should be flexible in their work hours to accommodate the needs of healthcare facilities that operate around the clock.

5. Communication Challenges

Good communication is essential in healthcare.

LPNs need to share information with other healthcare workers, patients, and families.

Clear communication is important for patient safety, but it can be hard sometimes. When conveying information to other healthcare team members, patients, and their families.

In conclusion, becoming an LPN has its good points, like getting started quickly and having lots of job options.

But there are challenges too, like limited duties and stress.

Before choosing this path, think carefully about what matters most to you and your career goals.