Why you should become an LPN

Reasons to become a LPN

There are a number of reasons a person chooses to become an LPN/LVN, also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse, (the job duties are the same for both LPN and LVN. However, Vermont, California, and Texas have chosen to use the term “LVN”) you have several reasons to want to start your career as an LPN. Some of the reasons that come to mind are a love for helping others, compassion, a stable income, and an interest in nursing. However, there are plenty more advantages that you may not have considered. We will go over a list of reasons below in this article and help you to make this crucial decision on starting your career and becoming an LPN.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexibility is a tremendous advantage to becoming a LPN, you can enjoy a flexible work schedule that will allow you to work either part or full time. You can also choose to work day, afternoon, evening, or night shifts. An LPN nurse can have a flexible work routine, enough to balance the responsibilities between there workplace and home. Should you decide to further your career as a registered nurse program while you are employed as a practical nurse, you should have no problems balancing your work and training schedule either.

Positive Career Outlook

Employment for LPNs is projected to grow by 12 percent, faster than average occupations through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Part of the reason for this rising growth is the aging baby-boomer population and certain chronic conditions that have become more prevalent. With the aging baby boomer population also comes those who are in the current nursing workforce are rapidly approaching retirement. In fact, a 2013 report from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services found that more than half of the current LPN population is over 40 years of age and more than one-third of LPNs are over 50 years of age.2 While there’s no guarantee every LPN will be replaced with another LPN, The conditions for steady demand appear strong.

Fast Track and Shorter Education Requirements

A college education is a big commitment which is precisely why an LPN program may be an appealing option. For one thing, training to become an LPN takes much less time than it does to become an RN. While it takes a minimum of two years to complete an RN program, you can finish a practical nursing program in just 12 to 15 months! This is great if you need to begin working as soon as possible. Should you decide later on to pursue a registered nursing career, you’ll have the ability to pursue a bridge entrance option that helps streamline the process. This is excellent for anyone who’d like to first get established as an LPN before committing to a more extensive RN program or who may just not have the finances it takes to pursuit a RN career.

Salary

Of all the benefits of an LPN career that catches most peoples’ attention is that of the salary. The annual median salary for an LPN draws $44,090 in a year. This is a fairly substantial salary for a post-secondary non-degree occupation; in fact it ranks up there with a number of occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree.

Growth and Emotional Reward

As we have seen, there are a number of advantages for those looking to start a career as an LPN. One thing that is not mentioned here may be the most important, which is the emotional rewards one gets from this job. You will find yourself helping others and making a difference in the lives of many. This is one of the benefits of an LPN career that may not show up on your paycheck, but it might be the most important of all.