Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Work takes place in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, group homes, and private residences, usually under a registered nurse. Vital signs are measured and recorded; prescribed medications or intravenous fluids are given and charted; wounds, bedsores, and catheters are part of routine care. Patients' calls have to be answered and aides may be supervised. When a patient's condition changes, including an adverse reaction to treatment, it is reported so the team can adjust the plan. Suits people who like hands-on patient care, close observation, and working as part of a nursing team.
Typical education: Some College Courses
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$64'400
Median Wage Market Position
$64'400
What you might do
- Watch patients and note changes in their condition
- Measure and record temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
- Give prescribed medicines and start intravenous fluids
- Change dressings and treat bedsores or wounds
- Answer call lights and decide how to help
- Supervise aides and discuss care with the team
Skills that matter
- Tracking changes in a patient's condition
- Listening when patients call for help
- Explaining care to patients and aides
- Deciding when a reaction needs action
- Working with nurses on care plans
- Giving medications and dressing wounds
AI & the future of this role
Hands-on patient care, licensing requirements, and in-person trust tend to protect this work. AI might ease charting and scheduling, but assessing patients and delivering basic nursing care still depend on human presence and clinical judgment.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details