If you like caring for others and are looking for San Antonio nurse jobs (Click here) you may want to look into a career as a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse.

LPNs and LVNs are mainly responsible for providing care to patients who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. They typically work under the direction of a physician or registered nurse to provide basic bedside care and monitor the wellbeing of patients.

Before becoming an LPN or LVN, you must first complete a nursing training program, which usually lasts about one year. LPNs must attend a state-approved training program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination.

There were about 753,600 LPNs and LVNs throughout the United States during 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and both occupations as a whole are expected to grow by 21 percent by 2018.

In the South Texas area - where San Antonio is located - employment of LPNs and LVNs is expected to increase from 600 workers during 2006 to 800 workers by 2016, accounting for 200 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 33.3 percent.

Throughout Texas, employment is anticipated to grow from 65,450 workers during 2006 to 81,400 workers by 2016, making for 15,950 additional jobs and an overall increase of 24.4 percent.

The top industries that employ LPNs and LVNs, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, 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

During 2009, LPNs and LVNs in South Texas earned an average wage of $20.96 per hour, while those in Texas earned an average wage of $19.57 per hour and those throughout the nation earned an average wage of $19.66 per hour.