Clinical LPNs
Career Guide: Salary, Job Duties, and More
This page offers details on the expected salaries, day-to-day job duties, and additional insights for those exploring or considering a career as a licensed practical nurse in clinical care.
What is a Clinical LPN?
Clinical licensed practical nurses are nurses who work in various clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices. Their specific roles and responsibilities can vary across workplaces. In general, they are involved in administrative, clinical, and patient care duties to assist with assessments, treatments, procedures, and general nursing care.
These CLPNs have training in nursing skills, fundamentals, pharmacology, and evidence-based care delivery. They utilize this knowledge to coordinate patient services, provide wellness education, perform basic health assessments, assist with procedures, communicate with healthcare teams, and support doctors and registered nurses in caring for patients.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Clinical LPN?
The scope of practice for clinical LPNs can vary depending on certifications, facility policies, and state regulations. But overall they provide fundamental bedside nursing care through core duties such as:
- Documenting medical histories and tracking patient symptoms
- Assisting with medical equipment and treatment modalities
- Educating patients on health promotion and self-care options
- Coordinating care visits, referrals, and care coordination
Most clinical LPNs work in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, doctor’s offices, and outpatient care centers. Those with adaptable skills and multidisciplinary knowledge are valued across evolving collaborative healthcare environments. Clinical LPNs make a difference through direct patient care, communication, and support of the whole healthcare team.
The career outlook for clinical licensed practical nurses appears strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% growth in LPN jobs between 2021-2031. This stems from factors like America’s aging population, increased chronic health conditions, and focus on cost-efficiency in healthcare teams.
Clinical LPNs play a vital role across settings like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health. Those able to flex their skills across specialty units and adapt to evolving medical technology should see supportive conditions for employment.
While state and national trends can vary year-to-year, the underlying drivers seem hospitable for those looking to enter clinical practical nursing roles.
National Average: $54,302.00
| U.S. Regions | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West | $62,282.00 |
| Midwest | $49,781.00 |
| Northeast | $61,561.00 |
| Southwest | $52,133.00 |
| Southeast | $52,163.00 |
Additional Key Information:
| Salary Range | $38,137.00 entry level to $71,999.00+ |
| Common Benefits | Health insurance, retirement, vacation & bonuses |
How Do I Become a Clinical LPN?
Those interested in becoming licensed practical nurses first need foundational training in nursing care through either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program. Coursework covers concepts vital to direct patient care include:
- Anatomy, physiology, and nursing fundamentals
- Medical and surgical nursing procedures
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Communication and care coordination
- Evidence-based practice and decision making
This education path allows clinical LPNs to integrate their skills across various healthcare settings when caring for patients. Some facilities may also require or encourage certifications in specialty areas like geriatrics, oncology, or medical-surgical nursing depending on responsibilities.
After graduating from an accredited nursing program, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse. From there they can search for clinical roles based on their interests and credentials.
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