The healthcare industry is incomplete without nurses. When patients visit the hospitals for their treatment, a large chunk of patient care is reliant on nurses who mediate between caregivers and doctors.
From injections and daily hygiene to checking vitals, a LPN nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse does it all. You might also come across the term Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)or LVN nurse. LPNs and LVNs are essentially the same, requiring the same certification and licensing and performing similar duties.
Striking a healthy work-life balance can be a challenge for travel Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Travel nursing is dynamic, and it involves moving to different locations and adapting to new work environments. Finding the right balance between professional responsibilities and personal life is crucial.
This blog aims to provide insights into how travel LPN nurses can achieve this balance and find the right job that suits their needs. We will also discuss the term LVN nurse, used interchangeably with LPN in some states.
What Do LPN/LVN Nurses Do?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs), doctors, and other healthcare providers. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system, delivering basic medical care and acting as a bridge between patients, their families, and the healthcare team.
Key Responsibilities of An LPN Nurse
These are some of the basic day-to-day tasks that these nurses perform.
- Basic Medical Care: LPNs perform tasks such as checking vital signs, administering medications, and helping with daily activities like bathing and dressing.
- Communication: They ensure clear communication among patients, families, and the healthcare team. They relay important information from doctors and RNs to patients and their families, helping them understand medical procedures and care plans.
- Patient and Family Education: LPNs educate patients and their families on post-treatment care, medication management, and overall health maintenance, ensuring they are well informed and confident in their ability to manage care at home.
Where do LVN Nurses Work?
Given the versatility and importance of nurses, an LVN nurse can work anywhere and everywhere.
- Nursing Homes: LPNs provide care for elderly residents, assisting with daily activities, medication management, and monitoring health conditions.
- Extended Care Facilities: They support patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities, providing ongoing medical care and support.
- Hospitals: In hospitals, LPNs assist with patient care, manage medical records, and support doctors and RNs in various departments.
- Physicians’ Offices: LPN nurses help with patient examinations, administer injections, and perform routine lab tests.
- Private Homes (Home Health Care): They offer personalized care to patients in their homes, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention and support in a familiar environment.
Working Hours And Pay
As an LVN travel nurse, you can typically expect to work 8-12 hour shifts spanning all days of the week. The exact schedule can vary based on your specific assignment, but you will likely have at least one weekend off each month and more. Be prepared for some overtime, too, as hospitals often need extra coverage.
Depending on your work environment, you might find yourself working holidays. However, most assignments guarantee at least one day off per week.
As an LVN travel nurse, you’re classified as supplemental staff, which means your schedule aligns with the hospital’s operational requirements. You may often have the flexibility to choose shifts that others prefer not to take, ensuring you can adapt to varying needs and contribute effectively to patient care.
Yet, despite the tight working schedule, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) enjoy a promising career outlook and competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs and LVNs earn an average annual salary of $60,790, or $29.23 per hour. The job market for these professionals is expected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, reflecting a steady demand for their essential skills.
This positive trend underscores the value and stability of a career as an LPN or LVN. With solid pay and a bright future, it’s an excellent time to pursue or advance in this field.
Strategies to Improve The Work-Life Balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for LPN nurses. Here are some practical strategies to help you maintain and improve it:
- Set Realistic Scheduling Expectations: Communicate with supervisors to avoid back-to-back shifts and limit overtime.
- Utilize Time Management Skills: Prioritize tasks and use slow periods to prepare for busier times.
- Embrace Teamwork and Delegation: Rely on your healthcare team and delegate tasks when appropriate.
- Advocate for Self-Care: Take regular breaks and engage in activities that promote well-being.
- Seek Professional Development: Pursue continuing education to reduce stress and open new opportunities.
- Establish a Support System: Connect with coworkers and inform family and friends about your job demands.
Finding The Right Balance
In the caring yet demanding world of nursing, as an LPN nurse, you often need to balance your job with your personal life.
Finding balance often means managing your time well, speaking up for fair scheduling, and choosing employers who care about their staff’s well-being. Embrace the adventure and unique experiences of being an LPN nurse. The chance to work in different healthcare settings and enjoy varied work experiences is worth the occasional long or unpredictable hours.
For those seeking well-paying licensed practical nurse jobs, platforms like Wanderly offer numerous opportunities to find the best-suited positions, ensuring that your professional journey is both rewarding and balanced. Take charge of your career today and explore the exciting world of nursing!