Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Hands-onPerform direct patient care tasks including wound care, catheterization, and vital sign monitoring in diverse healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate infusion pumps, oxygen delivery systems, and cardiac monitoring equipment following established clinical protocols to ensure patient safety.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate patient vital signs and clinical status indicators to identify changes requiring immediate intervention or physician notification.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for patient needs, comfort, and dignity while collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams in hospital and long-term care environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret physicians' orders, medication prescriptions, and care plans to implement appropriate nursing interventions and treatments.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess patient responses to medications and therapeutic interventions documenting findings in electronic medical record systems.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate therapeutic communication techniques with clinical procedures when providing care to patients with diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute sterile techniques for intravenous therapy, wound dressing changes, and urinary catheterization adhering to infection control standards and regulatory requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize multiple patient care assignments and priorities under time constraints while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Proficient
MindsetSupport patients and families through education on disease management, medication administration, and self-care techniques adapting teaching strategies to individual learning needs and health literacy levels.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
632,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $55,220. 50th percentile: U.S. $62,340. 75th percentile: U.S. $73,160. 90th percentile: U.S. $80,510. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$47,960
10% of workers earn the following or more
$80,510
Workers on average earn
$64,150
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
English Language3.9/5
Psychology3.7/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.7/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
