Where Do LPNs Work?

This is a good question to think about if you’re considering becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN. It’s good to have an idea of where you might work, right? Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs work in a variety of places. Let’s take a look at what those places might be.

Nursing Care Facilities – 38%

According to the BLS, 38% of LPNs work in nursing care facilities. The BLS also goes on to say that these are “skilled nursing facilities.” In other words, this is another way of saying “nursing homes.” Many LPNs may work in nursing homes and help patients with a variety of things such as bathing, mobility problems, changing bandages, and a number of other things. When working in a nursing home, LPNs may also do a variety of other similar tasks.

Hospitals – 16%

Again, according to the BLS, 16% of LPNs work in hospitals. They go on to state that these could be state, local, and private hospitals. LPNs may do a variety of things in hospitals such as recording patient vital signs and other related patient data. LPNs may support the other medical staff including RNs and doctors and help to provide a high standard of care to patients.

Doctor’s Offices – 13%

The BLS states that 13% of LPNs work in “offices of physicians” which is another way of saying they work in doctor’s offices. This could be something like a local community health care clinic or a private practice doctor’s office; both may be classified as doctor’s offices. In these settings, LPNs may work with patients in treatment rooms to take medical measurements, collect other data, or to other things that may help patients and support the other medical staff.

Home Health Care Services – 12%

Moving down the list, the BLS states that 12% of LPNs work for home health care services. This typically means working for a service that staffs RNs and other types of nurses in order to provide home health care services. In this situation, LPNs may travel to a patients house and provide care there similar to what they might do in an assisted living situation or a nursing home.

Residential Care Facilities – 7%

Lastly, the BLS states that 7% of LPNs work in residential care facilities. This could be something like a private assisted living facility, or even a publicly controlled group home. In this situation and LPN may work with patients and do similar things that they would do in the other settings above. Their specific duties, like anywhere else they work, would be dependent upon the needs of their patients.

What about the other 14%?

Well, the BLS doesn’t give specific data on this but there are a variety of other situations where an LPN may work. One example might be a prison, correctional facility, detention center, or a similar situation. Another situation could be some type of shelter for the homeless, or a drug treatment facility. Basically LPNs may work in any setting where people need care and the state allows them to work. Some situations may require extra education (such as working in a correctional facility) before LPNs can work there, and some states may not allow LPNs to work in certain situations at all. Hopefully this gives you a better idea of the different places where LPNs may work and help people.