Why Choose LPN? The Benefits of a Rewarding Career

An LPN, or licensed practical nurse, focuses on providing basic care to patients under the supervision of an RN and physicians. It’s an essential component of medical practice, but why choose to pursue it as a career? Here are just eight of the benefits of starting down the rewarding career path of an LPN.

How to Become an LPN (and Why People Choose to Start)

How to become an LPN is a relatively straightforward process. First, you will need to meet the educational requirements of the LPN program you’re interested in. Most require at minimum a high school diploma or GED, but many programs have additional requirements on top of that.

Depending on the program, you may be studying to become an LPN for one to two years. The end goal of this program may be an LPN license, or an additional associate degree and college credit. People start LPN programs like these for a range of different reasons, but these are some common reasons why.

Flexibility

LPNs have a lot of flexibility in both their scheduling and the venues they can work in. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and schools. With options for full or part-time and day, evening, or night shifts, any kind of schedule can be flexibly accommodated. Meaning, it’s easier to balance work and personal life.

Variety in Work

There’s no shortage of variety in becoming an LPN. The wide range of potential settings and times they’re needed often give opportunities for many different learning experiences. Overall, these can help train or refine a range of different skills you can apply in different settings or contexts.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Speaking of career advancement opportunities, becoming an LPN doesn’t have to be the end of your nursing career. An LPN can be the first step toward another healthcare career, such as registered nursing, nurse practitioner, or management position. These positions typically include higher salaries and benefits in addition to their new responsibilities.

4 More Reasons to Continue with LPN Programs

Those previous reasons are enough to warrant starting the process of becoming an LPN, but why stick with it? Here are some common reasons why many LPNs will continue on their particular healthcare journey.

Job Security

If you’ve ever lost a job due to the changing demands of the economy, you know just how valuable job security can be. Luckily, healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the economy, which means practical nurses are generally in high demand. With an aging population and increased need for healthcare services, the demand for more LPNs will likely only grow over time.

Job Satisfaction

LPNs have opportunities to make real differences in their patients’ lives, providing essential care and support to manage their needs. This can lead to deep satisfaction and purpose, making work more meaningful and enjoyable. There are also many opportunities for growth and improvement that can further contribute to satisfaction.

Competitive Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for an LPN is around $48,070 in May 2023. The exact amount can vary depending on where the LPN is specifically working (such as hospitals and residential facilities). Plus, this earning potential increases with specialized training and experience.

Personal Fulfillment

Becoming an LPN is a rewarding career choice that can provide personal fulfillment. Practically speaking, licensed practical nursing is a direct opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. This sense of personal fulfillment is why many LPNs say being there for their patients is as helpful for themselves as it is for them.

See the Benefits of a Rewarding Career in Action with CynaMed

CynaMed is a friendly and informative guide to helping people start the right path for them. If you’re in Western Pennsylvania and looking for resources to further pursue your nursing career, CynaMed is here to help. We’ll provide information and resources on a variety of nursing topics, including how to become an LPN . Contact us today to get started!