The U.S. Department of Labor has developed an automated occupational information database, O*NET, that identifies and describes work content, work skills, and training requirements for all jobs across the country in all sectors of the economy. Much of the occupational information contained in this report is derived directly from O*NET v3.1, and supplemented with information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and Labor Market and Career Information.
OCCUPATION OVERVIEW
Job Description
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses - Care for ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled persons in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Use of Advanced Technology
Every occupation includes some relationship between job duties and the use of advanced technology -- defined as work activities and environments that incorporate complex electronics as found in computers, lasers, robotics, digital devices, satellites, etc. While basic computer skills such as "keyboarding" apply to an increasing number of occupations, each has different levels of technology interface. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is classified as an occupation whose job duties do not rely on the use of technology.
Nature of the Work
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
Most LPNs provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages. LPNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, LPNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In States where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.
In addition to providing routine bedside care, LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they also may make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. LPNs who work in private homes may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
Most LPNs provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages. LPNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, LPNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In States where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.
In addition to providing routine bedside care, LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they also may make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. LPNs who work in private homes may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
Working Conditions
Most licensed practical nurses in hospitals and nursing care facilities work a 40-hour week, but because patients need round-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, and holidays. They often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk.
LPNs may face hazards from caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis. They are subject to back injuries when moving patients and shock from electrical equipment. They often must deal with the stress of heavy workloads. In addition, the patients they care for may be confused, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative.
LPNs may face hazards from caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis. They are subject to back injuries when moving patients and shock from electrical equipment. They often must deal with the stress of heavy workloads. In addition, the patients they care for may be confused, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative.
Job Tasks
Listed below is a summary list of job tasks often performed by Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The list is not all-inclusive and job tasks and responsibilities will vary among employers.
<1> Administers specified medication, orally or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, and notes time and amount on patients' charts.
<2> Dresses wounds, gives enemas, douches, alcohol rubs, and massages.
<3> Observes patients and reports adverse reactions to medication or treatment to medical personnel in charge.
<4> Applies compresses, ice bags, and hot water bottles.
<5> Washes and dresses bodies of deceased persons.
<6> Cleans rooms, makes beds, and answers patients' calls.
<7> Assists in delivery, care, and feeding of infants.
<8> Prepares or examines food trays for prescribed diet and feeds patients.
<9> Records food and fluid intake and output.
<10> Sterilizes equipment and supplies, using germicides, sterilizer, or autoclave.
<11> Collects samples, such as urine, blood, and sputum, from patients for testing and performs routine laboratory tests on samples.
<12> Assembles and uses such equipment as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers.
<13> Inventories and requisitions supplies.
<14> Bathes, dresses, and assists patients in walking and turning.
<15> Takes and records patients' vital signs.
<16> Provides medical treatment and personal care to patients in private home settings.
<1> Administers specified medication, orally or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, and notes time and amount on patients' charts.
<2> Dresses wounds, gives enemas, douches, alcohol rubs, and massages.
<3> Observes patients and reports adverse reactions to medication or treatment to medical personnel in charge.
<4> Applies compresses, ice bags, and hot water bottles.
<5> Washes and dresses bodies of deceased persons.
<6> Cleans rooms, makes beds, and answers patients' calls.
<7> Assists in delivery, care, and feeding of infants.
<8> Prepares or examines food trays for prescribed diet and feeds patients.
<9> Records food and fluid intake and output.
<10> Sterilizes equipment and supplies, using germicides, sterilizer, or autoclave.
<11> Collects samples, such as urine, blood, and sputum, from patients for testing and performs routine laboratory tests on samples.
<12> Assembles and uses such equipment as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers.
<13> Inventories and requisitions supplies.
<14> Bathes, dresses, and assists patients in walking and turning.
<15> Takes and records patients' vital signs.
<16> Provides medical treatment and personal care to patients in private home settings.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Industry Employment Patterns
These industries, as defined under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) taxonomy, employ Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The NAICS, developed jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, replaces the former U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The industry order represents the employment distribution of this occupation relative to the top industries in which the occupation is found, from greatest to least percentage.
NAICS 6221 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
NAICS 6231 Nursing Care Facilities
NAICS 6211 Offices of Physicians
NAICS 6216 Home Health Care Services
NAICS 5613 Employment Services
NAICS 6233 Community Care Facilities for the Elderly
NAICS 6113 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
NAICS 6221 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
NAICS 6231 Nursing Care Facilities
NAICS 6211 Offices of Physicians
NAICS 6216 Home Health Care Services
NAICS 5613 Employment Services
NAICS 6233 Community Care Facilities for the Elderly
NAICS 6113 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Texas Labor Market Information
The Texas statewide average hourly wage for the survey year 2006 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses was $17.27. This can be compared to the average wage rate for all occupations in Texas of $17.49 per hour, and nationally $18.84 per hour. Actual wages for any particular job within this occupation may vary depending on job responsibilities, degree of unionization, region of the state, and industry attachment.
In 2004, national employment was 725,673, while the current employment figure for the state of Texas for this occupation was 65,261. The most recent statewide forecast, available through the Texas Workforce Commission/LMCI, include a projection to the year 2014 of 81,401. Based on this projection, employment is expected to increase by 24.70%. This projection, along with openings due to turnover, translates into an average annual job openings estimate of 2,205 through the year 2014.
Certain career information, such as the labor market information in this section, is not available for O*NET-coded occupations. Instead, this narrative uses the data for the closest SOC-coded occupation, in this case SOC 29-2061, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
In 2004, national employment was 725,673, while the current employment figure for the state of Texas for this occupation was 65,261. The most recent statewide forecast, available through the Texas Workforce Commission/LMCI, include a projection to the year 2014 of 81,401. Based on this projection, employment is expected to increase by 24.70%. This projection, along with openings due to turnover, translates into an average annual job openings estimate of 2,205 through the year 2014.
Certain career information, such as the labor market information in this section, is not available for O*NET-coded occupations. Instead, this narrative uses the data for the closest SOC-coded occupation, in this case SOC 29-2061, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Additional Labor Market Information
In general, this occupation has an average turnover rate. Average turnover rates most often indicate jobs which require some occupationally-specific skills, moderate investment in training of the worker by the employer, and have moderate career ladders.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average age and median years of tenure for persons in specific occupations in the United States. These tenure data are useful for career path planning, understanding turnover, job satisfaction, and stability in the labor market for specific occupations. The average age of workers in this occupation was 41.3 years old in 1998, compared to 38.0 years for all occupations in this country. Persons employed in this occupation had a median of 8.5 years of continuous employment in the same occupation, compared to 5.4 years nationwide for all occupations.
In general, median tenure is higher for occupations which are slow growing or declining. A major exception tends to be occupations which require significant educational requirements. Newer or faster growing occupations tend to have lower average tenure since they are attracting new workers, constantly lowering the rate. Low occupational tenure may also identify jobs with poor pay or working conditions and lower educational requirements. This occupation also had a median of 4.7 years of continuous employment with the same employer versus 4.7 years for all occupations nationally. Longer employer tenure tends to represent higher levels of worker satisfaction, a stable economy or otherwise stronger relationship between worker and job.
According to the 2000 Census, this occupation is typically female-dominated in the United States with 92.3% being female. Also, 44.0% of persons employed in this occupation are non-whites.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average age and median years of tenure for persons in specific occupations in the United States. These tenure data are useful for career path planning, understanding turnover, job satisfaction, and stability in the labor market for specific occupations. The average age of workers in this occupation was 41.3 years old in 1998, compared to 38.0 years for all occupations in this country. Persons employed in this occupation had a median of 8.5 years of continuous employment in the same occupation, compared to 5.4 years nationwide for all occupations.
In general, median tenure is higher for occupations which are slow growing or declining. A major exception tends to be occupations which require significant educational requirements. Newer or faster growing occupations tend to have lower average tenure since they are attracting new workers, constantly lowering the rate. Low occupational tenure may also identify jobs with poor pay or working conditions and lower educational requirements. This occupation also had a median of 4.7 years of continuous employment with the same employer versus 4.7 years for all occupations nationally. Longer employer tenure tends to represent higher levels of worker satisfaction, a stable economy or otherwise stronger relationship between worker and job.
According to the 2000 Census, this occupation is typically female-dominated in the United States with 92.3% being female. Also, 44.0% of persons employed in this occupation are non-whites.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS
Every person has unique characteristics, interests, and styles that influence his or her capacity to learn, as well as their willingness to do various kinds of activities. Studies have shown that these same characteristics can also be used to better predict a person's job satisfaction and success. While no job selection process can guarantee job success or satisfaction, by identifying these unique personal characteristics and matching them with jobs requiring similar performance attributes, a worker will have a better chance of selecting satisfying occupations. O*NET has identified these unique characteristics as Abilities, Interests, and Work Importance Values. Variables within these characteristics are rated on the importance of the variable to successful performance in an occupation using the following descriptors: Not Important, Somewhat Important, Important, Very Important, and Extremely Important.
Knowledge
Although most occupations require occupationally-specific training, knowledge of concepts and principles in other subject areas may be helpful or even necessary for successful performance in an occupation. Knowledge, for the purpose of this report, is defined as an organized set of facts and principles related to a specific subject area, but used in other occupational areas. Knowledge is rated on various levels of importance in the following subject areas for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to be effective on the job.
Business and management knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems. Manufacturing and production knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods. Engineering and technology knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.
Math and science knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geographical sciences. Health knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes the information related to diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well- being. Education and training knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans, and test design principles.
Arts and humanities knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes information related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts. Law and public safety knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the regulations and methods for maintaining people and property free from danger, injury, or damage; the rules of public conduct established and enforced by legislation, and the political process establishing such rules.
Communications knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the science and art of delivering information. Transportation knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including their relative costs, advantages, and limitations.
Important knowledges for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
* Clerical -- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing systems, filing and records management systems, stenography and transcription, forms design principles, and other office procedures and terminology
* Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
HEALTH SERVICES
* Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
* Biology -- Knowledge of plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment
* Chemistry -- Knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
* Psychology -- Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, psychological research methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders
Business and management knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems. Manufacturing and production knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods. Engineering and technology knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.
Math and science knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geographical sciences. Health knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes the information related to diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well- being. Education and training knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans, and test design principles.
Arts and humanities knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes information related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts. Law and public safety knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the regulations and methods for maintaining people and property free from danger, injury, or damage; the rules of public conduct established and enforced by legislation, and the political process establishing such rules.
Communications knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the science and art of delivering information. Transportation knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including their relative costs, advantages, and limitations.
Important knowledges for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
* Clerical -- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing systems, filing and records management systems, stenography and transcription, forms design principles, and other office procedures and terminology
* Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
HEALTH SERVICES
* Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
* Biology -- Knowledge of plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment
* Chemistry -- Knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
* Psychology -- Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, psychological research methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders
Skills
Today's employers are looking for individuals with workplace skills which go beyond good basic academic skills of reading, writing, and computation. Employers want workers who can efficiently apply new knowledge and skills to job duties and tasks. According to the Secretary's Commission On Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS), a study commissioned by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, several core skills are essential for job-readiness in the current economic environment. These skills are divided into a Three-Part Foundation and Five Competencies.
The Three-Part Foundation includes Basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking), Thinking skills (creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, reasoning), and Personal qualitites (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management). The Five Competencies include skills in the Technology, Resources, Interpersonal, Information, and Systems areas. In keeping with the findings of the SCANS report, these same skills are also addressed in O*NET.
In the SCANS study, employers expressed the importance of the Basic Foundation skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. O*NET also cites these skills as a part of worker preparation. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, O*NET rates Basic skills as very important. Another Foundational attribute that employers identified in the SCANS study is Personal qualities. This includes self-management, integrity, self-esteem, sociability, and responsibility. This is similar to two variables in O*NET: Social skills and Interacting with Others (discussed later in this report under Work Activities). Social skills for this occupation is rated as very important for effective job performance.
The third Foundation skill cited by employers in the SCANS study is Thinking skills. This includes creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. These same skills are addressed in the O*NET database under the variable of Complex Problem Solving Skills. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, this skill is considered very important.
The SCANS Study also addressed five areas in which workers need to demonstrate competence. Being able to work with a variety of Technologies was identified as one of the five SCANS Competencies. More specifically, workers need to have the knowledge to select and apply procedures, tools or equipment to work-related situations, as well as maintain and troubleshoot if the need arises. Technical skills is also addressed in the O*NET database. Having an knowledge of technology is considered important for persons in this occupation. The second competency listed in the SCANS study addresses handling Resources. Workers need to be able to plan, organize, identify, and allocate resources such as time, money, materials/facilities, and people. Competence in this area is rated important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by O*NET.
A third area of competence identified in the SCANS report is Systems skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, organizational, and technical systems is becoming increasingly important for today's worker. Systems skills is considered somewhat important for this occupation by O*NET. The fourth competency cited in the SCANS report is the ability to acquire, organize, interpret, and communicate Information. This worker attribute is a combination of Information Input and Mental Processes discussed by O*NET under Work Activities below. The last competency presented in the SCANS study is a worker's Interpersonal ability. This attribute is also addressed by O*NET within the Work Activities section.
Important skills for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
BASIC SKILLS
* Active Listening -- Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
* Information Gathering -- Knowing how to find information and identifying essential information
* Problem Identification -- Identifying the nature of problems
SOCIAL SKILLS
* Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
* Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
The Three-Part Foundation includes Basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking), Thinking skills (creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, reasoning), and Personal qualitites (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management). The Five Competencies include skills in the Technology, Resources, Interpersonal, Information, and Systems areas. In keeping with the findings of the SCANS report, these same skills are also addressed in O*NET.
In the SCANS study, employers expressed the importance of the Basic Foundation skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. O*NET also cites these skills as a part of worker preparation. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, O*NET rates Basic skills as very important. Another Foundational attribute that employers identified in the SCANS study is Personal qualities. This includes self-management, integrity, self-esteem, sociability, and responsibility. This is similar to two variables in O*NET: Social skills and Interacting with Others (discussed later in this report under Work Activities). Social skills for this occupation is rated as very important for effective job performance.
The third Foundation skill cited by employers in the SCANS study is Thinking skills. This includes creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. These same skills are addressed in the O*NET database under the variable of Complex Problem Solving Skills. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, this skill is considered very important.
The SCANS Study also addressed five areas in which workers need to demonstrate competence. Being able to work with a variety of Technologies was identified as one of the five SCANS Competencies. More specifically, workers need to have the knowledge to select and apply procedures, tools or equipment to work-related situations, as well as maintain and troubleshoot if the need arises. Technical skills is also addressed in the O*NET database. Having an knowledge of technology is considered important for persons in this occupation. The second competency listed in the SCANS study addresses handling Resources. Workers need to be able to plan, organize, identify, and allocate resources such as time, money, materials/facilities, and people. Competence in this area is rated important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses by O*NET.
A third area of competence identified in the SCANS report is Systems skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, organizational, and technical systems is becoming increasingly important for today's worker. Systems skills is considered somewhat important for this occupation by O*NET. The fourth competency cited in the SCANS report is the ability to acquire, organize, interpret, and communicate Information. This worker attribute is a combination of Information Input and Mental Processes discussed by O*NET under Work Activities below. The last competency presented in the SCANS study is a worker's Interpersonal ability. This attribute is also addressed by O*NET within the Work Activities section.
Important skills for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
BASIC SKILLS
* Active Listening -- Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
* Information Gathering -- Knowing how to find information and identifying essential information
* Problem Identification -- Identifying the nature of problems
SOCIAL SKILLS
* Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
* Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
Abilities
Abilities are defined as enduring attributes of a person that influence performance. Abilities can be divided into four categories: Analytical (those abilities that use the mind for thinking and reasoning); Psychomotor (those abilities that coordinate the use of the mind and the body); Physical (those abilities that use body strength and/or endurance); and Sensory (those abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception).
Analytical abilities are those abilities that influence how a person acquires and applies knowledge in problem solving. Six variables make up the analytical abilities group. One of these variables, verbal ability, influences how a person acquires and applies written and spoken information in problem solving. Verbal ability is considered very important for successful job performance for this occupation. A second variable, idea generation and reasoning ability, influences how a person applies and manipulates information in problem solving, and is rated as important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to be effective in their job.
Quantitative ability, a third variable, influences how a person solves problems involving mathematical relationships. Quantitative ability for persons in this occupation is considered important for successful job performance. A fourth variable, memory, relates to a person's ability to recall available information. This ability is regarded as somewhat important for workers in this occupation to perform at an acceptable level in their normal job duties. Perceptual ability, a fifth variable, refers to a person's ability to acquire and organize visual information as it relates to job activities. It is considered somewhat important to effective performance for this occupation.
Spatial ability, a sixth analytical variable, relates to the importance of a person's ability to manipulate and organize spatial information in performing job-related duties. It was determined that spatial ability is somewhat important to successful job performance for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The last analytical variable is attentiveness. Attentiveness relates to a worker's ability to apply attention and concentrate on a specific task or duty over a period of time. This ability is regarded as important to successful performance for workers in this occupation.
Psychomotor abilities are those abilities that affect a person's capacity to manipulate and control objects. Fine manipulative ability, one variable within the psychomotor category, relates to the manipulation of objects with the hands while performing job-related activities. This variable is rated as important for effective job performance. A second variable within the psychomotor group, control movement ability, relates to the importance of the ability to control and manipulate objects in time and space. This ability is considered somewhat important for acceptable job performance for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The last psychomotor variable, reaction time and speed ability, refers to a worker's ability to quickly and accurately manipulate objects in job-related activities. This variable is regarded as somewhat important for persons in this occupation to perform their jobs effectively.
Physical abilities are those abilities that influence strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Strength, one of the physical ability variables, refers to a person's capacity to exert force. Physical strength for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is considered somewhat important to be effective in this occupation. Endurance, another physical ability, is related to a worker's ability to exert him or herself physically over long periods of time without getting out of breath. This ability is rated as somewhat important to successful job performance for workers in this occupation. The last physical ability variable is flexibility, balance, and coordination. This variable refers to the need of the worker in this occupation to have control over total body movements. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, this capacity is rated as somewhat important for effective job performance.
Sensory abilities is the last group of variables within the Abilities category and is defined as abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception. The first variable within the sensory abilities category is visual. Visual ability refers to a worker's ability to see objects under various conditions, such as seeing detail at close or far range or in dim or bright light; detecting differences between colors, including shades and brightness; and judging distance between several objects or judging the distance between an object and the observer. For this occupation, visual ability is considered important for acceptable job performance.
The second sensory variable relates to auditory and speech ability. This variable refers to a person's ability to tell the difference in pitch and loudness of multiple sounds; to tell the direction from which a sound originated; and to identify and understand the speech of another person. This ability is considered important to successful job performance for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Important abilities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
FINE MANIPULATIVE ABILITIES
* Arm-Hand Steadiness -- The ability to keep the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position
IDEA GENERATION & REASONING ABILITIES
* Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
VERBAL ABILITIES
* Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
* Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
VISUAL ABILITIES
* Near Vision -- The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Analytical abilities are those abilities that influence how a person acquires and applies knowledge in problem solving. Six variables make up the analytical abilities group. One of these variables, verbal ability, influences how a person acquires and applies written and spoken information in problem solving. Verbal ability is considered very important for successful job performance for this occupation. A second variable, idea generation and reasoning ability, influences how a person applies and manipulates information in problem solving, and is rated as important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses to be effective in their job.
Quantitative ability, a third variable, influences how a person solves problems involving mathematical relationships. Quantitative ability for persons in this occupation is considered important for successful job performance. A fourth variable, memory, relates to a person's ability to recall available information. This ability is regarded as somewhat important for workers in this occupation to perform at an acceptable level in their normal job duties. Perceptual ability, a fifth variable, refers to a person's ability to acquire and organize visual information as it relates to job activities. It is considered somewhat important to effective performance for this occupation.
Spatial ability, a sixth analytical variable, relates to the importance of a person's ability to manipulate and organize spatial information in performing job-related duties. It was determined that spatial ability is somewhat important to successful job performance for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The last analytical variable is attentiveness. Attentiveness relates to a worker's ability to apply attention and concentrate on a specific task or duty over a period of time. This ability is regarded as important to successful performance for workers in this occupation.
Psychomotor abilities are those abilities that affect a person's capacity to manipulate and control objects. Fine manipulative ability, one variable within the psychomotor category, relates to the manipulation of objects with the hands while performing job-related activities. This variable is rated as important for effective job performance. A second variable within the psychomotor group, control movement ability, relates to the importance of the ability to control and manipulate objects in time and space. This ability is considered somewhat important for acceptable job performance for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The last psychomotor variable, reaction time and speed ability, refers to a worker's ability to quickly and accurately manipulate objects in job-related activities. This variable is regarded as somewhat important for persons in this occupation to perform their jobs effectively.
Physical abilities are those abilities that influence strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Strength, one of the physical ability variables, refers to a person's capacity to exert force. Physical strength for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is considered somewhat important to be effective in this occupation. Endurance, another physical ability, is related to a worker's ability to exert him or herself physically over long periods of time without getting out of breath. This ability is rated as somewhat important to successful job performance for workers in this occupation. The last physical ability variable is flexibility, balance, and coordination. This variable refers to the need of the worker in this occupation to have control over total body movements. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, this capacity is rated as somewhat important for effective job performance.
Sensory abilities is the last group of variables within the Abilities category and is defined as abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception. The first variable within the sensory abilities category is visual. Visual ability refers to a worker's ability to see objects under various conditions, such as seeing detail at close or far range or in dim or bright light; detecting differences between colors, including shades and brightness; and judging distance between several objects or judging the distance between an object and the observer. For this occupation, visual ability is considered important for acceptable job performance.
The second sensory variable relates to auditory and speech ability. This variable refers to a person's ability to tell the difference in pitch and loudness of multiple sounds; to tell the direction from which a sound originated; and to identify and understand the speech of another person. This ability is considered important to successful job performance for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Important abilities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
FINE MANIPULATIVE ABILITIES
* Arm-Hand Steadiness -- The ability to keep the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position
IDEA GENERATION & REASONING ABILITIES
* Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
VERBAL ABILITIES
* Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
* Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
VISUAL ABILITIES
* Near Vision -- The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Work Activities
Generalized Work Activities are those similar job activities and behaviors that exist in a wide range of occupations. They can be very useful in predicting a person's potential success in a new occupation. By identifying the level in which a person successfully performs an activity in one job, it is likely that he/she will successfully perform a similar activity at the same level in a different job.
Information input activities are the activities related to where and how information and data needed to perform a job are obtained. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Information input is considered very important to successful job performance. Another work activity somewhat related to how a person uses information once it has been obtained is Mental processes. More specifically, Mental processes refers to the activities associated with processing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making with job-relevant information. This activity is very important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Many occupations involve the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles. The variable associated with this aspect of a job is Work output. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, O*NET rates Work output as extremely important. The final activity in which a worker may be involved is Interacting with Others. This includes communicating with other workers within an organization as well as with persons outside of the organization. Activities may include selling, negotiating, teaching, supervising, monitoring, or other forms of interaction. Interacting activities are considered extremely important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses for successful job performance.
Important work activities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
INFORMATION INPUT
* Monitor Processes, Material,Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, often to detect problems or to find out when things are finished.
INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
* Assisting and Caring for Others -- Providing assistance or personal care to others.
* Communicating With Other Workers -- Providing information to supervisors, fellow workers, and subordinates. This information can be exchanged face-to-face, in writing, or via telephone/electronic transfer.
WORK OUTPUT
* Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording.
* Handling and Moving Objects -- Using one's own hands and arms in handling, installing, forming, positioning, and moving materials, or in manipulating things, including the use of keyboards.
* Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require moving one's whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of materials.
Information input activities are the activities related to where and how information and data needed to perform a job are obtained. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Information input is considered very important to successful job performance. Another work activity somewhat related to how a person uses information once it has been obtained is Mental processes. More specifically, Mental processes refers to the activities associated with processing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making with job-relevant information. This activity is very important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Many occupations involve the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles. The variable associated with this aspect of a job is Work output. For Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, O*NET rates Work output as extremely important. The final activity in which a worker may be involved is Interacting with Others. This includes communicating with other workers within an organization as well as with persons outside of the organization. Activities may include selling, negotiating, teaching, supervising, monitoring, or other forms of interaction. Interacting activities are considered extremely important for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses for successful job performance.
Important work activities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
INFORMATION INPUT
* Monitor Processes, Material,Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, often to detect problems or to find out when things are finished.
INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
* Assisting and Caring for Others -- Providing assistance or personal care to others.
* Communicating With Other Workers -- Providing information to supervisors, fellow workers, and subordinates. This information can be exchanged face-to-face, in writing, or via telephone/electronic transfer.
WORK OUTPUT
* Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording.
* Handling and Moving Objects -- Using one's own hands and arms in handling, installing, forming, positioning, and moving materials, or in manipulating things, including the use of keyboards.
* Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require moving one's whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of materials.
Interests
Another aspect of job satisfaction relates to a worker's personal interests. John Holland, in his publication "Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments," theorized that a person's behavior is influenced by the interaction of his/her personality traits and the work environment, and that a person will seek out work environments that allow the greatest chance for expressing their attitudes and values. In his theory, Holland stated that all work places can be categorized primarily into one of six work environments. These are: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. He also theorized that workers have similar personality types. To make the connection between worker and work environment, Holland developed a dictionary assigning personality/work environment types to specific occupations using a coding system.
In describing the coding system, Holland states that no work envrionment or person is entirely one personality type, but rather a combination of several types. The dictionary assigns a three-letter personality code to each occupation. The first letter is the most important - showing the major personality category into which the occupation falls. The second and third letters, in order of importance, provide additional information showing the categories the occupation next most resembles. Thus, by matching a person's personality type to a similar work environment, the individual has a greater chance of making a satisfying occupational choice. For some O*NET occupations only the primary (or primary and secondary) category has been identified.
According to Holland's interest theory, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses are classified primarily as Social. People with Social interests like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They prefer to communicate more than to work with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, to give advice, to help, or otherwise be of service to people. The second Holland category is Realistic. People with Realistic interests like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They enjoy dealing with plants, animals, and real-world materials, like wood, tools, and machinery. They enjoy outside work. Often people with Realistic interests do not like occupations that mainly involve doing paperwork or working closely with others.
The third Holland category is Investigative. People with Investigative interests like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking more than with physical activity. They like to search for facts and figure out problems mentally rather than to persuade or lead people.
In describing the coding system, Holland states that no work envrionment or person is entirely one personality type, but rather a combination of several types. The dictionary assigns a three-letter personality code to each occupation. The first letter is the most important - showing the major personality category into which the occupation falls. The second and third letters, in order of importance, provide additional information showing the categories the occupation next most resembles. Thus, by matching a person's personality type to a similar work environment, the individual has a greater chance of making a satisfying occupational choice. For some O*NET occupations only the primary (or primary and secondary) category has been identified.
According to Holland's interest theory, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses are classified primarily as Social. People with Social interests like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They prefer to communicate more than to work with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, to give advice, to help, or otherwise be of service to people. The second Holland category is Realistic. People with Realistic interests like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They enjoy dealing with plants, animals, and real-world materials, like wood, tools, and machinery. They enjoy outside work. Often people with Realistic interests do not like occupations that mainly involve doing paperwork or working closely with others.
The third Holland category is Investigative. People with Investigative interests like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking more than with physical activity. They like to search for facts and figure out problems mentally rather than to persuade or lead people.
Work Importance Values
Although Work Values are more useful in exploring careers, jobs or training programs, knowing which values are shared by the most people in an occupation may also be informative.
The highest Work Values for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
Relationships - The Relationships Work Value is associated with jobs where co-workers are friendly and workers are able to be of service to others. This Work Value is associated with jobs where workers are not made to do anything that goes against their sense of right and wrong.
Achievement - The Achievement Work Value is associated with jobs that let workers use their best abilities, see the results of their efforts and get the feeling of accomplishment.
The highest Work Values for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses include:
Relationships - The Relationships Work Value is associated with jobs where co-workers are friendly and workers are able to be of service to others. This Work Value is associated with jobs where workers are not made to do anything that goes against their sense of right and wrong.
Achievement - The Achievement Work Value is associated with jobs that let workers use their best abilities, see the results of their efforts and get the feeling of accomplishment.
TRAINING
Preferred Education and Training Duration
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has developed a system of classifying occupations based on the amount of education and training required to be proficient in this occupation. Although for many occupations there often is more than one way to qualify for a job, the education and training requirements listed here best reflect the typical requirements for the occupation and the preferences of most employers.
In order to qualify for the occupation of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, workers generally are expected to obtain post-secondary vocational training. Occupations at this level generally require completion of vocational school training. Some programs last only a few weeks while others may last more than a year. In some occupations, a license is needed that requires passing an examination after completion of the training. However, workers in this occupation may have more or less formal education than is generally required because of an individual's personal choice or because the worker obtained a job during a time when workers in this occupation were in surplus or short supply.
In order to qualify for the occupation of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, workers generally are expected to obtain post-secondary vocational training. Occupations at this level generally require completion of vocational school training. Some programs last only a few weeks while others may last more than a year. In some occupations, a license is needed that requires passing an examination after completion of the training. However, workers in this occupation may have more or less formal education than is generally required because of an individual's personal choice or because the worker obtained a job during a time when workers in this occupation were in surplus or short supply.
Method of Entry/Training
All States and the District of Columbia require LPNs to pass a licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-PN, after completing a State-approved practical nursing program. A high school diploma or its equivalent usually is required for entry, although some programs accept candidates without a diploma, and some are designed as part of a high school curriculum.
In 2004, approximately 1,200 State-approved programs provided training in practical nursing. Most training programs are available from technical and vocational schools, or from community and junior colleges. Other programs are available through high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
Most practical nursing programs last about 1 year and include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical practice usually is in a hospital, but sometimes includes other settings.
In some employment settings, such as nursing homes, LPNs can advance to become charge nurses who oversee the work of other LPNs and of nursing aides. Some LPNs also choose to become registered nurses through numerous LPN-to-RN training programs.
LPNs should have a caring, sympathetic nature. They should be emotionally stable because working with the sick and injured can be stressful. They also should have keen observational, decision-making, and communication skills. As part of a health care team, they must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision.
In 2004, approximately 1,200 State-approved programs provided training in practical nursing. Most training programs are available from technical and vocational schools, or from community and junior colleges. Other programs are available through high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
Most practical nursing programs last about 1 year and include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical practice usually is in a hospital, but sometimes includes other settings.
In some employment settings, such as nursing homes, LPNs can advance to become charge nurses who oversee the work of other LPNs and of nursing aides. Some LPNs also choose to become registered nurses through numerous LPN-to-RN training programs.
LPNs should have a caring, sympathetic nature. They should be emotionally stable because working with the sick and injured can be stressful. They also should have keen observational, decision-making, and communication skills. As part of a health care team, they must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision.
Training Programs
Catalog of Instructional Programs (CIP 2000) educational codes and titles related to this occupation include:
CIP 511613 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training (LPN, LVN, Cert., Dipl, AAS)
CIP 511613 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training (LPN, LVN, Cert., Dipl, AAS)
OTHER TITLES
New Occupational Titles
Under the newly-revised 2000 Standard Occupational Codes, the O*NET occupation Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses may be identified as:
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061)
Related or Similar O*NET Occupational Titles
Listed below are related O*NET occupational titles for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses:
Chiropractors (29-1011.00)
Dental Hygienists (29-2021.00)
Optometrists (29-1041.00)
Orthodontists (29-1023.00)
Physician Assistants (29-1071.00)
Psychiatric Aides (31-1013.00)
Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00)
Chiropractors (29-1011.00)
Dental Hygienists (29-2021.00)
Optometrists (29-1041.00)
Orthodontists (29-1023.00)
Physician Assistants (29-1071.00)
Psychiatric Aides (31-1013.00)
Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00)
Other Related Codes and Titles
Other occupational and educational codes and titles related to this occupation include:
Census Occupations (2000)
CEN 350 Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
DOT 079374014 Nurse, Licensed Practical
Guide for Occupational Exploration
GOE 100201 Nursing, Therapy, and Specialized Teaching Services: Nursing
Military Occupational Specialities
MOS AE91C1-3 Practical Nurse
Office of Personnel Management Occupations
OPM 0620 Practical Nurse Series
O*NET Occupations (O*NET 1.0)
OU 32505 Licensed Practical Nurses
Census Occupations (2000)
CEN 350 Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
DOT 079374014 Nurse, Licensed Practical
Guide for Occupational Exploration
GOE 100201 Nursing, Therapy, and Specialized Teaching Services: Nursing
Military Occupational Specialities
MOS AE91C1-3 Practical Nurse
Office of Personnel Management Occupations
OPM 0620 Practical Nurse Series
O*NET Occupations (O*NET 1.0)
OU 32505 Licensed Practical Nurses
Similar Military Careers
The different branches of the U.S. military have many occupations in which the duties performed are similar to those required by civilian occupations, or which may prepare you for employment in a similar civilian field.
Each of the military services publishes handbooks, factsheets, and pamphlets describing entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at all recruiting stations, at most State employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Information on educational and other veterans' benefits is available from VA offices located throughout the country.
In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, publishes Military Career Guide Online, a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information designed for use by students and jobseekers. This information is available on the Internet at http://www.militarycareers.com
Medical Care Technicians
Registered Nurses
Each of the military services publishes handbooks, factsheets, and pamphlets describing entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at all recruiting stations, at most State employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Information on educational and other veterans' benefits is available from VA offices located throughout the country.
In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, publishes Military Career Guide Online, a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information designed for use by students and jobseekers. This information is available on the Internet at http://www.militarycareers.com
Medical Care Technicians
Registered Nurses
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sources of Additional Information
For information about practical nursing, contact any of the following organizations:
* National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc., P.O. Box 25647, Alexandria, VA 22313. Internet: http://www.napnes.org
* National League for Nursing, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006. Internet: http://www.nln.org
* National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc., 605 Poole Dr., Garner, NC 27529. Internet: http://www.nflpn.org
Information on the NCLEX-PN licensing exam is available from:
* National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 111 East Wacker Dr., Suite 2900, Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: http://www.ncsbn.org
A list of State-approved LPN programs is available from individual State boards of nursing.
* National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc., P.O. Box 25647, Alexandria, VA 22313. Internet: http://www.napnes.org
* National League for Nursing, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006. Internet: http://www.nln.org
* National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc., 605 Poole Dr., Garner, NC 27529. Internet: http://www.nflpn.org
Information on the NCLEX-PN licensing exam is available from:
* National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 111 East Wacker Dr., Suite 2900, Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: http://www.ncsbn.org
A list of State-approved LPN programs is available from individual State boards of nursing.
Contact CDR
Texas Workforce Commission/Labor Martet and Career Information (TWC/LMCI)
Northview Business Center
9001 IH 35N, Suite 103B
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-822-PLAN
http://www.lmci.state.tx.us
The information in this report may be derived from many sources. To learn more about OSCAR or any data element please contact LMCI (formerly CDR).
USEFUL TIP: Now that you have identified one or more occupations which may be of interest to you, you might consider using the internet to look for job openings in those occupations. One recommended place to start is the nationwide job posting service called America's Job Bank, which is located at http://www.ajb.dni.us. At this site you may perform a search for specific job openings which are unlikely to be posted in your local newspapers.
Northview Business Center
9001 IH 35N, Suite 103B
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-822-PLAN
http://www.lmci.state.tx.us
The information in this report may be derived from many sources. To learn more about OSCAR or any data element please contact LMCI (formerly CDR).
USEFUL TIP: Now that you have identified one or more occupations which may be of interest to you, you might consider using the internet to look for job openings in those occupations. One recommended place to start is the nationwide job posting service called America's Job Bank, which is located at http://www.ajb.dni.us. At this site you may perform a search for specific job openings which are unlikely to be posted in your local newspapers.
