Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

🩺 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are in high demand across Western Massachusetts, particularly in long-term care settings such as skilled nursing facilities and residential care homes. The Massachusetts Senior Care Association reported that as early as 2010, there were over 60 unfilled LPN positions in Western Massachusetts alone—a number that has only increased due to an aging population and a growing emphasis on team-based primary care.

LPNs provide essential hands-on medical care and serve as a vital link between patients and the broader care team. Their responsibilities are a balance of clinical care, patient monitoring, and communication, often performed in collaboration with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and physicians.

🏥 What LPNs Do

Licensed Practical Nurses:

Provide direct patient care by:
- Taking vital signs (e.g., temperature, blood pressure)
- Administering medications and injections
- Dressing wounds and treating bedsores
- Collecting lab samples
Monitor and evaluate patients for changes in condition and report findings to RNs or physicians
Assist in developing care plans based on patient needs and clinical observations
Document and update patient records in compliance with healthcare privacy laws
Support CNAs and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings

🏢 Where LPNs Work

LPNs are employed in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including:

Skilled nursing facilities
Hospitals
Doctors’ offices
Home care and hospice
Assisted living and long-term residential care

➡ Explore job openings: MassHire JobQuest

🎓 Education and Training Requirements

To become an LPN, individuals must:

Have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a college placement exam before enrolling in an LPN certificate program
Complete a state-approved certificate training program, usually offered at community colleges or technical schools, which includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to earn licensure

💡 Career mobility: Many LPNs later pursue advanced credentials, such as Registered Nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. Some community college programs offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs to support this transition.

🧠 Skills and Qualities for Success

LPNs are expected to demonstrate:

Strong math skills for calculating medication dosages and fluid balances
Foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biology, and pharmacology
Knowledge of healthcare regulations, especially patient rights, HIPAA, and infection control
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, for interacting with patients, families, and care teams
Physical stamina and the ability to perform demanding tasks such as lifting patients, standing for long periods, and responding to emergencies
Compassion, patience, and resilience in emotionally and physically challenging environments

📚 Professional Resources

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN)
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES)
MassHire Career Centers – For local support with career advising, training referrals, and job search assistance