Positions for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are among the most popular Austin nurse jobs.

LPNs and LVNs are responsible for caring for ill, injured, convalescent or disabled persons in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes and similar institutions. They may work under the supervision of a registered nurse.

You must obtain the proper training and licensing before becoming an LPN or LVN. Most employees undergo vocational school training, with some programs lasting a few weeks and others lasting more than a year.

In order to obtain a license, you must be in good physical and mental health, have completed specialized education and training, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination using computer adaptive testing.

During 2008, the average wage for LPNs and LVNs in Central Texas was $18.01 per hour, while the average wage throughout Texas was $18.79 per hour, and the average wage across the nation was $19.28 per hour.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, employment of LPNs and LVNs in Central Texas is expected to increase from 1,200 workers during 2006 to 1,400 workers by 2016, accounting for 200 additional jobs and a growth rate of 16.7 percent.

Employment throughout Texas is expected to increase from 65,450 workers during 2006 to 81,400 workers by 2016, accounting for 15,950 additional jobs and a growth rate of 24.4 percent.

The top industries that employ LPNs and LVNs throughout the nation are:

• General medical and surgical hospitals - 28.07 percent
• Nursing care facilities - 21.12 percent
• Offices of physicians - 13.46 percent
• Home healthcare services - 8.67 percent
• Employment services - 5.12 percent
• Community care facilities for the elderly - 4.45 percent
• Colleges, universities and professional schools - 3.85 percent

Labels: Austin nurse jobs