Practical Nursing
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Potential Positions
Program graduates work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Potential employers include acute care facilities, long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, home health care agencies, hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, private duty nursing, industrial clinics and hospice care. Nationally, 32% of LPNs work in hospitals, 27% work in nursing homes and 13% work in doctors’ offices and clinics. Others work for temporary help agencies, home health care services, or government agencies.
Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities for the practical nursing field are expected to grow 20% through the year 2012. Employment in nursing homes is expected to grow and will offer the most new jobs for LPNs. Hospital jobs for LPNs are expected to decline. Within 9 months after graduation, the estimated employment rate for the Practical Nursing program is 90%. The graduate starting median wage is $15.13 with a wage potential of $18.32.
*Graduate wages and placement obtained from SBCTC/WA unemployment files from 2004-05. Wage potential is based out of Whatcom County and obtained from LMEA. For further information, contact the Counseling & Career Center at 360-752-8450.
Typical Tasks
Specific tasks typically required of a practical nurse include: Providing care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses; providing skilled nursing, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Preparing and giving injections and enemas, monitoring catheters and applying dressings; monitoring patients and reporting adverse reactions to medications or treatments; collecting samples for testing and perform routine laboratory tests; assisting with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene; administering prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids; helping deliver, care for, and feed infants and evaluating client needs, developing care plans, and supervising the care provided by nursing aides.
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This program typically starts in Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters
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