November 27, 2009
There are a lot of ways to gain entry into the health care field of nursing. Some folks will go the college route and get their BSN. Others will work their way from nursing aide up to a fully licensed RN, taking the needed training while they work in the field. Others want to be a nurse but are not ready to enter a four year degree program. For those folks, LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse may be the best way to go.
Getting your LPN is a great way to enter the nursing field. And while it does limit some career options, it is still an excellent way to work as a nurse and gain a foothold in a particular area or facility.
Here is a description of typical LPN roles:
Most LPNs are generalists and work in all areas of health care. However, some work in a specialized setting, such as a nursing home, a doctor’s office, or in home health care. LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they may be responsible for making appointments, keeping records, and performing other clerical duties. LPNs who work in home health care may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
In some States, LPNs are permitted to administer prescribed medicines, start intravenous fluids, and provide care to ventilator-dependent patients.
The licensing requirements are not as stringent as for the RN, but there are still guidelines in place:
All States and the District of Columbia require LPNs to pass a licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-PN, after completing a State-approved practical nursing program. A high school diploma or its equivalent usually is required for entry, although some programs accept candidates without a diploma, and some programs are part of a high school curriculum.
In 2006, there were more than 1,500 State-approved training programs in practical nursing. Most training programs are available from technical and vocational schools or community and junior colleges. Other programs are available through high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
Most year-long practical nursing programs include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and subjects related to patient care, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical practice usually is in a hospital but sometimes includes other settings.
Since most training programs last about a year, the LPN programs offered by the schools here may be the perfect vehicle to take you to a stable health care career.
