The Pros and Cons of Becoming A Licensed Practical Nurse |
Posted: July 27, 2021 |
Nurses have entry to opportunities that are not available in other professions. The benefits we get are not easily measurable, and they are not limited to our wages and employer-provided amenities. A licensed practical nurse or LPN is an outstanding nursing career choice.
Working as an LPN in the medical field may be a rewarding career that involves helping others. At the same time, it carries with it challenges that you would confront daily. It's critical to weigh the job's advantages and disadvantages to determine if it's a role you'd be prepared to dedicate to the long-term. Continue reading to find out more about the pros and drawbacks of a job as a licensed practical nurse. Advantages of Being LPNEasy to Enter WorkforceYou may obtain a nursing degree in as little as four years. After passing the NCLEX, a practical nursing degree that leads to a job as an LPN may be finished in as little as 12 months. That means you'll get an extra three years to acquire experience and expertise in the business, depending on your course of study. There are also free LPN training you can attend to like Free LPN Training Texas. Exciting Employment GrowthAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of available LPN jobs is expected to grow by 16% through 2024. (BLS). This is more than twice the median growth rate for all occupations, which is 7%. Some anticipate that employment opportunities for LPNs may continue to dwindle as a result of initiatives such as BSN in 10, which compels nurses to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in ten years of beginning their careers. As the baby-boom population ages, the BLS predicts that more LPNs will be needed in residential care and in-home health facilities for senior patients. Flexible ScheduleWorking as an LPN allows you flexibility for individuals who do not enjoy a 9-to-5 job. This is because the facilities where LPNs work are usually open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide continuous care to patients. You may work throughout the day, evenings, or nights and on a per diem or rotating schedule. Making a DifferenceThe main benefit of working as an LPN is that you like what you do. This kind of work may provide you with a feeling of purpose and pleasure since you provide medical care to those in need while also assisting their loved ones. You may want to study some nursing career tips to assist you in handling the work that you have to let you recognize you directly impact people's lives. You can Study while Working
Your skills will naturally improve during your nursing career. Your professional goals will shift as well. The option to become a nurse practitioner is available if you decide what you like to do in the future. You may obtain a nursing practice associate in as little as 12-18 months. This may be done in addition to your LPN employment and helps bridge the gap between the two professions. Most programs are available online or on weekends, making it possible to accommodate courses into your hectic schedule. Finances are often a significant incentive for people to go from LPN to RN later in their careers. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for RNs in 2018 was $71,730, while LPNs made $46,240. While both are higher than the national average for all occupations, the extra $25,000 becomes more appealing after a few years in the industry. You will have an excellent basis for your nursing profession, which is fortunate since you already have some experience as an LPN. Disadvantages of Being LPNTough Working ConditionsWorking conditions may be one of the most challenging parts of the work. Operating over time, as well as nights, weekends, and holidays, may be needed. The work may need you to confront patients and loved ones who are angry, scared, in pain, or coping with other issues that they may take out on you. The job may be physically hard, as you must sometimes carry patients and stay on your feet, but it can also be emotionally draining, especially when coping with dying patients. You may potentially come into contact with hazardous materials. Low-End Salary
An LPN job pays less than many other healthcare occupations but more than a CNA (certified nursing assistant) position. You will put in a lot of work without the benefit of a large salary. Because LPNs have less training and fewer high-level responsibilities, this is the case. Lack of RecognitionPatients and medical professionals do not consider LPNs as highly respected or monitored in the same manner as RNs (registered nurses) and higher-level employees. You may not receive much acknowledgment for your efforts. Lacking Authority and OpportunityThe LPN position is limited, and some see it as a dead-end career or a necessary step toward a higher level in the medical field. LPNs are only employed in a few healthcare settings, limiting your choices straight immediately. You report to RNs and have no authority in your job. Furthermore, your duties may entail just a tiny level of actual medical care and instead be focused on paperwork and assisting other specialists.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|