LPNs are in Demand for Home Healthcare Jobs

By Jane Smallman
jane.smallman@careerschoolguide.com
Career School Guide Columnist

As home healthcare services expand to accommodate the needs of an aging U.S. population, LPNs are needed to fill the many new jobs being created. If you want a hands-on job in healthcare, now is the perfect time enroll in an LPN training program.

What Do LPNs Do?

LPNs give the essential bedside care that sick, injured, and disabled people need. They not only keep patients comfortable by helping with things like bathing or dressing, but also carry out more complex jobs such as taking vital signs, giving injections, applying dressings, and administering medicines.

What Qualifications Do LPN’s Need?

All States require LPNs to complete a specialized training program and pass a licensing exam known as the NCLEX-PN. Most LPN training programs won’t accept candidates without a high school diploma (or equivalent), although some do.

LPN training programs usually last around one year and typically include subjects like:

• Basic and specialized nursing skills
• Nutrition
• Anatomy
• Administering drugs
• Clinical practice

Why Become An LPN?

An LPN career is ideal for anyone who wants to work in a healthcare job that involves direct contact with patients. LPN training is accessible, and the career opportunities are excellent. You can start a LPN training program with or without a high school diploma and put yourself on the path to a strong career. There are options for promotion, and you can improve your professional qualifications and earning power by completing an LPN to RN (Registered Nurse) training program, or even go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Where Should LPNs Look For Jobs?

LPNs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, and clinics, but the place where they are most in demand is in the home healthcare sector, where the number of jobs is growing at a rapid rate.

If you want to work in a rewarding healthcare job with good career and employment prospects, why not consider becoming an LPN? In just over a year, you could have a new career!

Sources

Kaplan University
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses
U.S. Dept Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics

About the Author

Jane Smallman spends her time freelance writing and running a mountain guide business with her husband. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the Social Sciences.