Nurse (Licensed Practical)

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Work Tasks

• Help take care of patients under the direction of doctors and registered nurses
• Take vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
• Give injections, put on dressings, give alcohol rubs, put on ice and heat packs, and do CPR if needed
• Help patients to bathe, dress, eat, and stay comfortable
• Work for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, health maintenance organizations, private doctors' offices, public health agencies, home healthcare services, the government, nurses' registries, temporary help agencies, and themselves (private duty)
• Work with patients, thermometers, stethoscopes, bandages, medical supplies, patients' records, medication, physicians' orders, and appointment books

Salary, Size & Growth

• $42,500 average per year ($20.50 per hour)
• A large occupation (730,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A diploma from a practical nursing program
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year nursing degree or higher
• Skills/Courses: College courses include anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid, as well as clinical practice.
• Certification/Licensing: A practical nursing license is required.