Finding LPN Training Programs
Our website is designed to help current and prospective nursing students find the education programs they are seeking. We have compiled a hand-picked list of LPN training and education programs in each state for our visitors to browse. Our hand-crafted program lists are comprised of schools that are approved by the State Board of Nursing.
We also utilize a live software program that searches a wide database of campus schools and online colleges by geographic area and displays relevant results to our web visitors. The results are sorted by program type and state.
LPN Job Duties and Functions
The core competencies required of a practical nurse include providing excellent patient care, ensuring accuracy in their documentations of patient conditions and executing the orders provided by their supervising doctor or nurse in a precise manner. LPNs are responsible for a lot of data collection, such as measuring patients vital signs, changes in patients health conditions, reactions to medicines and/or treatments, sleep patterns and bowel movements. Recording patient data with very careful attention to detail is critical, as doctors and nurses rely on this data to make important decisions regarding the care of their patients. If the data is in-accurate or incomplete the patient can end up suffering the consequences.
The work structure that the LPN functions within includes working under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (R.N.) or physician. In some cases less experienced LPNs may work under the supervision of a senior-level LPN. Many work schedules include nights, weekends and holidays since the demands of healthcare never cease. Many LPNs enjoy nice benefits packages since they work for healthcare providers.
LPNs play a crucial role in the delivery of health care services to individuals in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, health clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and doctors offices. Since LPNs can serve in so many different health care environments this makes them highly employable, especially while demand for healthcare is growing rapidly. Many LPNs act as liaisons between doctors and patients/patients families. While doctors are busy devising care plans for many different patients they rely upon the LPN to further explain the recommended course of action, possible side effects, different outcomes to patients and their family members. Most patients will have questions and concerns about their medical condition and or treatments that the LPN can answer or document the concerns and summarize them so the doctor can provide a proper response.
Limitations to the role of an LPN will mainly be determined by individual state laws. Each state has their own discretion and regulations in place regarding the limited scope of a Licensed Practical Nurse. For example, in some states LPNs can administer medicine, and in other states they cannot. State licensing requirements also might differ slightly and minimum staffing requirements as well. A simple check with the state board of nursing can usually provide exact guidelines for LPN education, training requirements, staffing regulations and scope of practice.
LPN Education and Training Requirements
Practical Nurse training requirements are very straightforward; pre-licensure education requirements can be met by completing an approximately one-year training course or a two-year Associate’s degree program with a concentration in practical nursing. Any education program must be approved by the state in which the individual is seeking licensure and be accredited. Once the student obtains a certificate of completion they are allowed to make application for the NCLEX-PN examination. After passing the exam they can apply to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in that state.
Many states bar individuals with previous felony convictions from obtaining an LPN license. Most states also require the applicant to be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Licensing boards always prefer candidates with a strong sense of ethics and a genuine dedication to patient care.
Typical LPN training programs include coursework such as Human Anatomy, Physiology, Basic Chemistry, Biology and Microbiology, Nursing, Pharmacology, Legal/Ethical Compliance and Clinical Skills. Courses can be found at technical schools, community colleges, online schools and some four-year universities.
LPN Job Outlook and LPN Salary
As stated earlier, LPNs are considered very employable right now because of growing demand for healthcare services, further projected growth and expected retirement of many current LPNs. Bureau of Labor Statistics data confirms the above information and projects LPN job growth to move faster than most other occupations. The average LPN salary is just north of $40,000 per year and varies according to geographic location, education level, work experience, employment setting and current economic conditions.
Schools That Offer LPN Training Courses
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