Is Becoming an LPN Worth It? Pros vs. Cons of Licensed Practical Nursing
Choosing a healthcare career is a significant decision that often comes with a sense of duty to serve others and the promise of job stability in a growing industry. For those considering the path of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), there's much to weigh in the balance. This article will thoroughly examine the pros and cons of becoming an LPN, explore the salary prospects, and delve into the job outlook according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Pros of Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Stepping into nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can be an exciting and rewarding choice. LPNs play a crucial role in patient care and the healthcare system. Below, we will explore the numerous advantages of pursuing a career as an LPN, including the potential for job stability, the opportunity to impact patients’ lives positively, and the relatively short path to entry into the nursing profession. Discover why many individuals find becoming an LPN to be a fulfilling and worthwhile career choice.
- Job Stability: In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, job stability is valuable. LPNs are in constant demand, providing vital support in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities. As the population ages and healthcare needs grow, LPNs can expect ongoing job opportunities.
- Quick Entry into Nursing: Compared to the years of education required to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the path to becoming an LPN is relatively short. Most LPN bridge programs can be completed in about a year, allowing you to start your nursing career sooner.
- Meaningful Patient Interaction: LPNs have direct and consequential interactions with patients, providing essential care, monitoring health, and offering emotional support. If you find fulfillment in helping patients on a personal level, this aspect of the job can be gratifying.
- Decent Earning Potential: While LPN salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and healthcare setting, the earning potential is generally reasonable. While not as lucrative as registered nursing, it offers a stable income, often accompanied by benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and educational opportunities.
Cons of Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
While a career as an LPN can be personally fulfilling and professionally satisfying, it also comes with challenges and limitations that aspiring nurses should consider. From the physical and emotional demands of patient care to potential rules in career advancement, some aspects of this profession may not align with everyone’s goals. Read on to delve into the cons of becoming an LPN, providing a balanced perspective to help you decide whether this healthcare path fits you.
- Limited Advancement Opportunities: LPNs typically have fewer career advancement options, lower salaries, and a more limited scope of practice than registered nurses. If you aspire to pursue specialized nursing roles or leadership positions, you may need to pursue further education and licensure as an RN. However, LPN to RN bridge programs are available if you decide to eventually advance to registered nursing.
- Emotionally and Physically Demanding: Nursing can be emotionally taxing, and LPNs often deal with patients in distress or facing severe health issues. Additionally, the job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet and the lifting or moving of patients.
- Variable Work Hours: Healthcare facilities operate around the clock, so LPNs may need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. This can impact work-life balance and family commitments.
- Educational Costs: While LPN programs are shorter than RN programs, they still come with educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and certification exams. Financial considerations are essential when pursuing this career.
See the difference between an LPN and an RN.
Salary and Job Outlook
As of May 2022, the median annual wage for LPNs was approximately $54,620 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, it’s important to note that salary figures can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the specific healthcare facility.
The job outlook for LPNs appears promising. The BLS projects a 5% growth in employment for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth was primarily driven by the aging baby boomer population, increasing the demand for healthcare services.
Is Becoming an LPN Right For You?
Determining whether becoming an LPN is right for you depends on various factors, including your career goals, personal preferences, and lifestyle considerations. Here are some questions to consider:
- Career Goals: Are you satisfied with the career advancement opportunities available to LPNs, or do you aspire to pursue specialized nursing roles or leadership positions that may require further education as an RN?
- Work Environment: Are you comfortable with the demands and challenges of working in healthcare settings, including the potential for emotionally taxing situations and physically demanding tasks?
- Work-Life Balance: Can you accommodate variable work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, without compromising your personal life and family commitments?
- Financial Considerations: Are you prepared to invest in the educational costs associated with LPN programs, considering factors such as tuition, textbooks, and certification exams?
- Passion for Patient Care: Do you find fulfillment in providing direct care to patients, monitoring their health, and offering emotional support? Are you motivated by the opportunity to positively impact patients’ lives on a personal level?
- Desire for Quick Entry into Nursing: Are you eager to start your nursing career sooner rather than later, and do you value the relatively short path to entry into the nursing profession that LPN programs offer?
Reflecting on these questions can help you assess whether becoming an LPN aligns with your interests, goals, and lifestyle preferences. Additionally, researching the LPN role further, speaking with practicing LPNs, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals or career counselors can provide valuable insights to aid in your decision-making process.
Latest Articles & Guides
One of the keys to success as a registered nurse is embracing lifelong learning. Our articles and guides address hot topics and current events in nursing, from education to career mobility and beyond. No matter where you are on your nursing journey, there’s an article to help you build your knowledge base.
Browse our latest articles, curated specifically for modern nurses.
