LPN Employment: 7 Common Challenges You Could Face

• A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a decade of experience shares common challenges related to LPN employment. 
• Becoming an LPN, she says, is not an easy feat. But the position doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. 
• LPNs should be proud of their accomplishments, and when it comes to healthcare, no position is superior to the other. 

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is not an easy feat, but it’s a position that doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves. 

As an LPN of 10 years, I’ve come across many challenges and want to share them with other LPNs — not to discourage anyone from pursuing a practical nursing degree; but to make them aware of the challenges they might have to navigate.  

I also want to encourage LPNs and grow their confidence in relation to earning their practical nursing degree.  

Common Misconceptions in LPN Employment 

Not a Real Nurse 

LPNs must go through extensive training and pass a state board examination just as Registered Nurses (RNs) do. You should think of LPNs as an RN’s “right-hand” in nursing. They collaborate to achieve positive outcomes for patients. No nursing position is superior to another, as they’re all important pieces of the healthcare puzzle. Teamwork is an incredibly significant part of nursing, regardless of title.  

LPNs Only Work in Nursing Homes 

This is simply not true. I have been privileged to work in different areas including long-term care, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and other specialties.  

LPNs Are Being Phased Out 

LPNs are not being phased out; in fact, they are in high demand (especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic). 

Low Salary Nurse 

LPN wages have risen in recent years, and many LPNs are making around $50,000 annually depending on the specialty and where they live. As of 2024, working as an LPN is a comfortable living wage, especially for the single LPN with no children.  

LPNs Can’t Do What RNs Can Do 

LPNs may not be able to complete certain tasks that put them at risk of violating legal regulations as defined by their state. It can be frustrating for an LPN who may hold the knowledge and experience to know what needs to be done but they cannot do so due to the regulations. 

Education is Valued More than Experience 

The nursing field typically places more value on education than experience. For example, an LPN with years of experience may have a new graduate RN as their supervisor. This situation has the possibility of fostering a toxic work environment.  Tension and conflict could arise because the LPN with experience feels undervalued. It can also create frustration for an LPN to have someone younger and less experienced in an authoritative role.  

When Are You Going Back for your RN Degree? 

If you are an LPN or in the process of becoming one, you’re likely to be bombarded with this question. There are many reasons why an LPN may choose not to pursue further education. Expenses and contentment being a few of them.  

Many LPNs are comfortable with their position and see the value of being an LPN. This brings them a sense of contentment and they don’t have the desire to go further. Others might not be in a financial position to afford continuing their education. It can be frustrating to feel pressured to pursue a degree you either don’t want or can’t afford.

The Bottom Line

Becoming an LPN is something to be proud of. You should never let anyone allow you to feel inferior because of your position. I have never been fond of the term “delegation,” and prefer the term “collaboration,” as I feel this better suits healthcare. You are a team working together to achieve a common goal for your patients, and that’s what matters. I encourage anyone who is interested in pursuing a nursing degree to do so.  

Regardless of which nursing program you choose, you are an asset to the healthcare team in which you choose to work. Now that you are aware of the challenges you may face as an LPN, you will be better prepared for overcoming them. 

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