When compared to other occupations, nursing tends to always come up on top as a profitable and safe career field to be in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses are projected to grow much faster than the average of other occupations, signifying excellent job prospects for the future. LPN employment is expected to grow by 21 percent during the 2008-2018 decade, adding approximately 155,600 new LPN jobs. This growth can be attributed to the expanding population, which increases the overall demand for health care. A large contributor of the demand for LPNs is the elderly population and their need for long-term care. Elderly people are at a higher risk for injury and illness, therefore, increasing the demand for general health care services — LPN’s area of specialty.
With today’s medical advancements and an increasing life expectancy rate, people are living longer and requiring more long-term medical attention. Therefore, experts believe LPN employment growth will take place in all health care settings, but especially in geriatric services like nursing care, community care and home health care services.
It’s important to note that the job and salary outlooks for LPNs will vary by industry, but researchers find that LPNs will have the best job opportunities in nursing care facilities and home health care services. In an effort to lower health care costs, medical procedures that were once performed in hospitals only are now being done in physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers and clinics.
Thanks to medical advances and technological discoveries, LPNs can serve patients in these smaller and extremely efficient medical settings. While outpatient facilities are growing in popularity, hospitals will continue to hire LPNs and remain as their largest employers. As for job prospects, LPNs should continue to see favorable opportunities in various health care settings across the nation.
According to the Bureau, there is a growing shortage of available health care in rural areas around the country. Therefore, LPNs who are willing to relocate to rural areas should have positive job prospects. In addition to favorable job prospects, LPNs will experience satisfactory salary outlooks too. LPNs made a median annual wage of $39,030 in 2008, according to the Bureau. With years of experience, continued education and increased job responsibilities, LPNs are likely to experience job advancements and increased earnings.
Article Source: http://www.licensedpracticalnurse.com/licensed-practical-nurse-salary/
