LPNs Are in Demand—Here’s Where You Can Work After Graduation
Posted On September 11,2025
You’ve worked hard, studied long hours, passed your exams, and earned your license. Now the question is: Where do you go from here?
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) opens the door to a wide variety of career paths—and there’s no shortage of places that need you. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced environment, a flexible schedule, or long-term job security, there’s a workplace that fits your goals.
The demand for LPNs continues to grow nationwide, and employers are actively hiring in various settings. Understanding your options is key to finding a role that not only matches your skills but also supports the kind of life you want to build after graduation.
Hospitals: Fast-Paced and Full of Opportunities
Hospitals can be one of the most dynamic places for an LPN to start—or grow—a career. You’ll find yourself caring for patients with a wide range of conditions, working under the supervision of RNs and physicians, and gaining valuable clinical experience every single day.
The pace can be intense, and shifts may include nights, weekends, or holidays. But for many LPNs, that variety keeps the job interesting. Hospitals often provide room to grow into different specialties and departments, which can be especially helpful early in your career.
Why it’s a strong choice:
Hospitals offer steady employment, significant exposure to various medical procedures, and the opportunity to work as part of a large healthcare team.
Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care: Stability and Strong Bonds
If you’re someone who enjoys building relationships with the people you care for, working in a nursing home or long-term care facility might be a great fit. These environments give you the chance to provide consistent care to residents, many of whom live there full-time and rely on you as a familiar, trusted caregiver.
Your day-to-day responsibilities might include assisting with medications, wound care, and personal hygiene. These facilities often rely heavily on LPNs, which means your role is essential and respected.
Why it’s a strong choice:
Nursing homes offer job stability, meaningful connections with patients, and opportunities to grow into leadership roles.
Home Health Care: Flexibility and One-on-One Care
If you’re looking for a setting that allows you to work more independently and enjoy some flexibility in your schedule, home health care might be the way to go. In this role, you’ll visit patients in their homes—often older adults or people recovering from surgery or illness—and provide medical support, monitor conditions, and offer guidance to family caregivers.
It’s a setting where LPNs often form close connections with both patients and families. Plus, without the hustle of a hospital or facility, many LPNs find it easier to focus on the individual needs of each patient.
Why it’s a strong choice:
Home health roles offer a flexible schedule, increased autonomy, and the opportunity to provide personalized, one-on-one care.
Clinics and Doctors’ Offices: Regular Hours and Steady Routine
For those who prefer consistency, a clinic or private practice can be a solid landing spot. These settings typically offer regular daytime hours, which means weekends and holidays off—a major plus if you’re trying to balance work and personal life.
You’ll assist with patient intake, take vital signs, prepare patients for exams, and handle a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. While the pace can vary depending on the type of clinic, these roles are usually less physically demanding than hospital work and can offer a more predictable routine.
Why it’s a strong choice:
Clinics provide steady hours, lower stress levels, and a team-oriented environment—ideal for LPNs who want work-life balance.
Schools: Supporting Kids and Working School Hours
Yes, LPNs can work in schools—and it’s a path worth considering if you’re looking for a meaningful role that follows a traditional academic calendar. School nurses handle everything from minor injuries and daily medications to managing chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.
Though some school districts prefer RNs, many hire LPNs to work under the supervision of a lead nurse or as part of a district-wide health team. This setting enables you to support children’s health in a more relaxed environment, allowing you to enjoy summers, weekends, and holidays off.
Why it’s a strong choice:
School settings offer regular hours, a quieter pace, and the chance to support children’s well-being.
Rehabilitation Centers: Helping People Get Back on Their Feet
Rehab centers focus on patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or serious illnesses. In these facilities, LPNs play a hands-on role in helping people regain strength and independence. You might assist with physical therapy routines, monitor recovery progress, and provide encouragement every step of the way.
This is an excellent setting for those who enjoy seeing real progress in their patients.Many LPNs find it rewarding to work with individuals who are recovering and motivated to improve their health.
Why it’s a strong choice:
Rehab centers offer meaningful work, measurable patient outcomes, and a supportive clinical team.
Correctional Facilities: Unique Challenges, Competitive Pay
Correctional healthcare may not be the first setting that comes to mind, but many LPNs find it to be a solid, steady option. You’ll work in a secure facility providing routine and emergency care to inmates, often under the supervision of a physician or RN.
It’s a highly structured environment where LPNs are valued for their ability to stay calm, work independently, and follow procedures carefully. These roles often come with competitive pay and substantial benefits due to the unique nature of the work.
Why it’s a strong choice:
Correctional facilities offer competitive pay, robust protocols, and consistent demand for healthcare professionals.
A Quick Look: Where LPNs Can Work
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common work settings for LPNs and what makes each one worth considering:
- Hospitals: Variety, fast pace, professional growth
- Nursing Homes: Strong patient relationships, job security
- Home Health Care: Flexible schedules, one-on-one care
- Clinics: Predictable hours, work-life balance
- Schools: Regular schedule, child-centered care
- Rehab Centers: Supportive work, measurable progress
- Correctional Facilities: Structure, competitive pay
Your First Job Matters—But It’s Just the Beginning
As a newly licensed LPN, the most important thing is finding a role that helps you grow. You may change directions down the road, and that’s okay. What matters is getting a solid start somewhere you can learn, gain confidence, and figure out what kind of nurse you want to be.
There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some LPNs thrive in fast-paced environments, while others prefer more one-on-one time with patients. Some want regular hours, while others enjoy the variety of shift work. The good news? There’s a role out there that fits your lifestyle and your goals—and plenty of employers are hiring.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re ready to start your career as an LPN, finding the right training program is where it all begins. At Athena Career Academy, you’ll get hands-on instruction, real-world experience, and the support you need to enter the workforce with confidence. Explore your future in nursing today and see how Athena can help you get started. Contact us to learn more.