Final answer:
LPNs must take a licensure exam, typically work under RN supervision, do not have higher degrees than RNs, and their programs are not 4 years long. Demand for nurses is growing, with a 16% increase expected in nursing jobs from 2014 to 2024, and a rising annual wage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the understanding of the role of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in comparison to a Registered Nurse (RN). When it comes to LPNs: 1) They must take a licensure exam, which is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) before they can practice. 2) LPNs do not typically work independently; they work under the supervision of an RN or a physician. 3) LPNs do not have a higher degree than most RNs; their training is generally more basic and shorter in duration. 4) The education program for an LPN is not 4 years in length; typically, it is around one year and can result in a diploma or a certificate rather than a degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a growing demand for nurses, and the nursing profession is expecting a 16% increase in jobs from 2014 to 2024, indicating a need for both RNs and LPNs in the healthcare industry. The median annual wage is expected to increase from the 2015 figure of $67,490, reflecting the high demand for these healthcare professionals.