Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) are the foundation of the healthcare system. They are an extension of the eyes and hands of physicians and Registered Nurses (RN).
The job prospects of LPNs and LVNs are very good for the future. The employment is also predicted to grow faster than average. There are ample job opportunities in home health care services and nursing care facilities, however getting a job in a hospital setting is more competitive.
There has been many advancements in medical technology which have enabled procedures that were once only carried out in hospitals, to be done in emergency medical centers and physicians' offices. This change will lead to a decline in the demand for LPNs and LVNs in hospitals but a larger increase in demand in other settings.
Of course, the greatest increase in jobs for LPNs and LVNs will be in home healthcare services. This is due to the aging population and the baby boomers. The baby boomers are starting to reach and age in which they require more healthcare services, hence the increased demand for in-home help. Due to disabilities and other requirements many patients will prefer care in the home.
At the same time nursing care facilities will also have a large demand for LPNs and LVNs. Patients who have been released from the hospital but are not well enough to go home are put in nursing care facilities. These facilities will be more in demand due to the growing number of the aged and disabled requiring long term care.
Overall, the job opportunities for LPNs and LVNs never looked so good. There is a shortage and demand in many places due to the baby boomers and advances in technology. If you plan on advancing your career after becoming an LPN or LVN, then experience in geriatrics or long term care will come in handy, because those are the most popular specialization for RNs. Right now is the best time to enter the field, the demand hasn't yet peaked and you can help fix the nursing shortage.
