Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Common Job Titles
- Charge Nurse
- Clinic Nurse
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform direct patient care tasks including wound care, catheterization, and vital sign monitoring in diverse healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate infusion pumps, oxygen delivery systems, and cardiac monitoring equipment following established clinical protocols to ensure patient safety.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient vital signs and clinical status indicators to identify changes requiring immediate intervention or physician notification.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient needs, comfort, and dignity while collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams in hospital and long-term care environments.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret physicians' orders, medication prescriptions, and care plans to implement appropriate nursing interventions and treatments.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess patient responses to medications and therapeutic interventions documenting findings in electronic medical record systems.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate therapeutic communication techniques with clinical procedures when providing care to patients with diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute sterile techniques for intravenous therapy, wound dressing changes, and urinary catheterization adhering to infection control standards and regulatory requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize multiple patient care assignments and priorities under time constraints while maintaining quality and safety standards.Proficient
- MindsetSupport patients and families through education on disease management, medication administration, and self-care techniques adapting teaching strategies to individual learning needs and health literacy levels.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
632,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $55,220. 50th percentile: U.S. $62,340. 75th percentile: U.S. $73,160. 90th percentile: U.S. $80,510. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $47,960 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $80,510 |
| Workers on average earn | $64,150 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Psychology3.7/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- FaceTime
- Google Drive
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Infusion management software
- Inventory tracking software
- MedicWare EMR
Tools & Equipment
- Abdominal binders
- Air fluidized beds
- Ankle restraints
- Apnea monitors
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Automated spirometers
- Bag infusion systems
- Balkan frames