What Does an LPN Do? A Real-World Guide
There are many roles for people interested in joining the nursing workforce. With every role comes a set of requirements and responsibilities. One of these jobs is that of an LPN. You’ve no doubt heard the acronym before, but maybe you’re wondering, What does LPN stand for? LPN refers to a licensed practical nurse — a healthcare professional who has completed a formal nursing program and passed a licensing examination.
But what does an LPN do, exactly? And how does this profession contribute to the larger healthcare arena? This article will answer all your LPN-related questions.
What Is an LPN in Nursing?
In terms of levels of nursing professionals, LPNs fall between a registered nurse (RN) and a certified nursing assistant (CNA). LPNs are clinicians who work under the supervision of RNs or physicians, providing nursing care to patients. Note that in Texas and California, these professionals are called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), but most states use the term LPN — meaning, the job duties are essentially one and the same.
Some people wonder, Is an LPN a nurse? Yes — it’s right there in the name. LPNs are professionals who have had to undergo rigorous training and licensing to practice nursing.
LPN Duties: What Does an LPN Do?
LPN responsibilities center around providing patients with primary and essential care, including monitoring vital signs, bathing, dressing, and other needs. Typical LPN duties include:
- Measuring a patient’s vitals, such as blood pressure and temperature.
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
- Administering medications, including oral, injectable, and topical medications, as prescribed by a physician, under an RN’s supervision.
- Monitoring and documenting patients’ conditions, and reporting any changes to the RN or physician.
- Arranging for tests when there is a need for one.
- Assisting with medical procedures, such as catheter insertion, IV therapy, and respiratory treatments.
- Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive patient care.
These are just some examples of LPN responsibilities. If you’re still wondering, What can LPNs do? look at this sample LPN job description and sample LPN resume. And don’t miss our article covering the top fun facts about licensed practical nurses.
What Is an LPN vs. RN?
One main difference between LPN and RN licenses is the length and scope of required education. RNs must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which typically take between two to four years, though some accelerated programs may be shorter. Additionally, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
An LPN’s scope of practice is not as broad as that of an RN and therefore has a shorter education timeline. To be an LPN, you can complete a board-approved program in about 12 months. You must also receive a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam. Some LPNs decide to pursue LPN to RN bridge programs as their careers progress.
What Do RNs Do That LPNs Don’t?
So, what does an LPN do that’s different from an RN? Although the exact differences vary depending on the state, here are several tasks commonly performed by RNs but often not by LPNs:
- Administering blood products and intravenous (IV) medications
- Supervising and delegating tasks
- Performing complex nursing procedures
- Developing and modifying care plans
- Evaluating and assessing patients
- Monitoring unstable patients
Where Do LPNs Work?
Nurses play a vital role in every healthcare system, but hospitals tend to employ a greater number of RNs than LPNs. As an LPN, you’ll typically find a greater demand in post-acute care settings. LPNs can apply their skills in:
- Assisted living facilities (ALFs)
- Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
- Home health care
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Physicians’ practices
- Other clinical facilities
- Schools and camps
- Memory care facilities
- Remote LPN jobs
- Travel LPN assignments
How to Become an LPN: 3 Steps
1. Earn a Certification From an Accredited LPN Program
LPN education requirements begin with enrolling and completing an accredited LPN program. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to be eligible, as it’s typically the minimum for admission to LPN programs. These programs usually take one year to complete. Check out our article for information on getting financial aid for LPN programs.
2. Obtain Licensure
To become an LPN, you need to pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) and submit all required documentation to your state board of nursing.
3. Gain Experience
Gain nursing experience in relevant nursing specialties, such as:
Check out the latest LPN jobs to get more insight into where these nurses can work.
Top LPN Skills to Hone
There are a number of LPN nursing skills that you’ll amass and hone throughout your education and training. This includes both hard and soft skills. Some examples of hard skills for an LPN include taking and monitoring vital signs, gathering patient information during admissions, and familiarity with various computerized charting programs.
Soft skills are more nuanced since, by definition, they are based more on your character traits and are therefore difficult to measure. Some of these LPN skills include:
Therapeutic communication. Being truly present when treating patients and their families is crucial to establishing a trusting relationship. Clearly and compassionately relaying information to your patient and understanding their questions and concerns is a key skill to hone.
Emotional intelligence. Nursing can be stressful, but practicing self-awareness is a good way to keep yourself in check. Be mindful of personal strengths and weaknesses and how you’re treating others, and act with empathy.
Teamwork. As an LPN, you are expected to collaborate with other healthcare and administrative professionals who are working toward a common goal: patients’ well-being. Proactively offer to help when you notice your colleagues are stretched thin.
What Does an LPN Make in 2025?
Salary is obviously a big consideration when determining one’s career path. So, what’s an LPN expected to take home in earnings? The average LPN salary is $64,150 per year, or around $30.84 per hour.
When comparing LPN vs. RN salary, an RN earns an average of $98,430 per year, around $47.32 per hour. Pay and benefits vary according to your certifications, years of service, and where you’re practicing. For example, with IntelyCare, LPNs are hired as W-2 employees who earn weekly pay and benefits. The states with the highest annual LPN nurse pay are:
What Does an LPN Do? FAQs
What are the benefits of working as an LPN?
Nurse careers can be very fulfilling, and the rewards of the job are plentiful. Some of the benefits include speed of entry into the field, career growth opportunities, and flexibility to choose work shifts and schedules that meet your needs.
What are the best cities for LPNs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some of the metropolitan areas with the highest levels of employment for LPNs:
LPN vs. CNA — what’s the difference?
The primary difference between a CNA and an LPN lies in their scope of practice and level of responsibility. LPNs undergo more extensive training, have a broader range of duties, and have a higher average annual salary. On the other hand, CNAs complete a shorter training program, usually lasting a few months, and focus on basic patient care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
How long does it take to become an LPN?
You can become a practicing LPN in as little as 12 months. This involves completing an LPN program, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and applying for licensure in your state.
Where Will Your Career Take You?
So, what does an LPN do? You asked, and we answered. Curious about what your next step might be? Learn how IntelyCare can save you time and energy by sending you LPN opportunities that fit your needs.