Licensed Practical Nurse Working Conditions

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses held about 719,900 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were as follows:

• Nursing and residential care facilities: 38%
• Hospitals; state, local, and private: 17%
• Offices of physicians: 13%
• Home healthcare services: 11%
• Government: 7%

Working conditions for LPNs and LVNs can often be physically demanding and stressful as they are on their feet for much of the day and their duties may include helping lift patients who have trouble moving in bed, standing, or walking. Moreover, their frequent interaction with with ill and injured patients is inherently stress inducing for many people.

Most licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses work full time, although about 1 in 5 worked part time in 2014. Working conditions often include variable hours as many LPNs and LVNs work nights, weekends, and holidays, because medical care takes place at all hours. They may be required to work shifts of longer than 8 hours.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition

Find additional occupational information below:

Licensed Practical Nurse Duties
Licensed Practical Nurse Work Conditions
Licensed Practical Nurse Employment
Licensed Practical Nurse Training
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings