LPNs are crucial members of the healthcare team. If you are an LPN, you are eyes and ears for the RNs and the physicians. You are the ones collecting the data needed to ensure that your patients are getting the best care possible.Â
Starting as an LPN, you will be performing basic nurse duties such as taking vitals, administering medication, and dressing and changing wounds. If you are interested, there are many different specialization certifications that you can pursue. Finding the correct career path for you is always a challenge, so here are five different certification options to consider for the next step in your career.Â
1. Nephrology Certification
A nephrology nurse works primarily with people who have kidney issues or are at high risk for kidney issues. If you decide to get your nephrology certification, you will be working with patients from infancy through adulthood to end of life care. An LPN with this certification has an average salary of $66,199.
2. IV Therapy Certification
An LPN with an IV therapy certification can perform routine intravenous administration, set changes, change dressings, and discontinue IVs that terminate in a peripheral vein. With an IV therapy certification, an LPN can earn an average salary of $91,190.Â
3. Long-Term Care Certification
An LPN trained and certified in long-term care may work in a nursing home or another long term care environment. Long-term care LPNs provide basic medical care including changing bandages, administering medication, and collecting specimens. LPNs who work in long term care have an average salary of $48,800.
4. Wound Care Certification
LPNs with this certification dress, clean, and take care of the debridement of various wounds, including surgical ones. An LPN with a wound care certification has an average annual pay of $71,170.
5. Urology Certification
An LPN with a urology certification works with patients who have bladder issues such as kidney stones. They may work with catheters and other bladder health treatments. LPNs with a urology certification earn an average salary of $43,528.Â
Which Certification Is Right for Me
All LPNs will collect the patient’s vitals, record height and weight, and conduct clinical tests. After that, there are different tasks they perform based on their certification. You should consider what your interests are and what you want your job to look like day-to-day.Â
When considering which LPN certification you want to pursue, consider the environment you want to work in. Ask yourself if you are more comfortable working in a hospital or a long-term care facility. Remember that any certification you receive will help you further your career in nursing. If you decide to move up and become an RN or another healthcare professional, the certification you choose can help you. It is also important to look at the pay range for each certification.
LPN Jobs Near Me
No matter what certification you decide to pursue, CynaMed can find the right full-time or part-time job to fit you and your schedule. We are a health care staffing agency located in Pittsburg, PA, where we find the right healthcare workers for the right positions. For more information, visit our website here or give us a call at (412) 325-3420. If you are a healthcare worker looking for a job, be sure to check out our job board for local vacant positions.
