LPN Training
What is an LPN?
LPN is the acronym for licensed practical nurses who is trained to provide routine care to the sick. They are also called lvns or licensed vocational nurses in California and Texas. You need about 9-12 months to become an LPN, and receive a certificate that proves you are trained to take vital signs like blood pressure, temperature and pulse. You are also taught to do some things like treatment of bed sores and wounds.
Difference between LPN and RN:
If you have always wanted to help others and have caring attitude towards others, a career in the nursing field is meant for you. You can opt to work as an LPN or rn depending on how much of time you want to spend on training and how much of responsibilities you want to take up. The difference between an LPN and an rn (registered nurse) is that you need 3-4 years to become an rn as you have to learn much more than an LPN. You thus receive a degree, and have more responsibilities than an LPN and can make independent decisions, while an LPN cannot. Moreover, rns can do more advanced treatments and are naturally paid more than LPNs.
LPN Course Enrollment Requirements Like all courses, to become an LPN, there are some requirements that have to be met; educational and licensing requirements. You have to complete an LPN program from an online college, community college or vocational school. Make sure the program is approved by your state's Board of Nurses. On completion of your course, you have to answer the PN licensing exam which is usually five hours long, and at a cost. The test comprises of questions whose difficulty depends on the questions already answered. Failure on initial questions may give easier questions; however correct answering of these easy questions give lower scores than you would get by answering difficult questions. On receiving your license, you will have to periodically renew it. Different states have different conventions, and may include continuing educational requirements and fees.
Online LPN Schools There are many online LPN schools available on the internet that makes it easy for you to complete your LPN training. There is no need of attending any actual classes; you can attend classes as and when you can. If you ardently follow your online LPN program, you can easily complete your LPN training within a year or two, and start your career as an LPN at a faster date. Moreover, with an online LPN school, you can start your career like a CAN, while attending school. This gives you ample opportunity to work with medical field professionals. On completion of your course, the online LPN school will inform and guide you to answer your state's license exam to become an LPN. LPN training: The LPN training you have complete to become an LPN includes classes in physiology, pediatrics, anatomy, psychiatric nursing, obstetrics, communication, arithmetic, computer and medical technology, personal health and safety, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, drug administration, first aid and nutrition. In addition to this, you have to have some practical work experience within the 10 to 12 months of training to qualify as an LPN. Accreditation: to choose the best online LPN program for your LPN training, you have to first find out more about its accreditation. As different states have different nursing policies, you have to learn everything you can about the state you will be practicing in. remember that if you join, and complete a program that is not recognized by your state, you will have to spend another year to get a practicing license. The accreditation status of a program is usually mentioned in their flyers or websites. However if you don't find anything about the program's accreditation, make sure you ask them about it when you apply for your course. The officially recognized accreditation organizations in US are the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission and The Commission on Nursing Education. They are recognized by the US Secretary of Education and stay in close contact with state governments and healthcare departments. This way, they know what is required in a state, and what are required for one to practice as an LPN in a state. LPN to BSN: After working as an LPN for some time, you may decide to earn your BSN, so that you can get better jobs and promotions in certain areas of nursing. With a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), you will be able to climb the ladder of your career, take on more responsibilities, and make more money. With this degree, you can also work in administration some day, and have minimum interactions with patients. A BSN takes two years to complete, after your LPN license. During the course, you have to complete an internship, learn advanced medical terminology and pass your nursing certification exam. On earning your BSN, and passing the certification test, you will be able to work in trauma units, pediatrics, emergency rooms and in hospitals, offices and clinics. Post graduate qualifications (MSN, PHD): After your BSN, you could still learn more to complete your MSN or PhD in nursing, so that you can teach in nursing colleges and impart your knowledge to the next generation of nurses. You can enter an MSN course after becoming an LPN and then a BSN. An MSN course is usually one and a half to two years long and involves lots of intensive, independent study. You can complete your MSN through a full time study option, or part time courses where you can work while completing your studies. Of course, you can always opt for online study through distance education; as long as you are offered sufficient clinical training through the accreditated nursing institution. LPN scope of practice: Usually, the work of an LPN is undermined; which is a huge mistake as without LPNs, physicians and rns are at a loss. There are various responsibilities involved in an LPN. Your main responsibility is to provide personalized attention and care to patients in a clinic or hospital. Besides this, you will have to handle responsibilities like administration of anesthesia, prescription of medicine, etc. You have to make sure patients undergo a speedy recovery, and in case of terminally ill patients, you have to stay with them and their family to reduce their pain. You have to ensure your patients maintain personal hygiene by perhaps turning over patients suffering from bedsores and giving other patients a sponge bath. Are Online LPN Programs Worth It? LPN qualifications are always worth it as there are always innumerable job opportunities in the medical field and companies are always looking to hire good nursing staff. This is why some colleges and universities also provide students with scholarships to complete their LPN training. Licensed practical nurses may have to take care of newborn babies, and thus need sufficient neonatal and postnatal care in your job profile. LPN nurses are always in demand so they not only have to serve in clinics and hospitals, but they also have to replace the experienced nurses who leave their jobs. Employers are usually flexible with their LPN staff, and offer them flexible work schedules, educational and childcare benefits and bonuses. LPN salaries are dependent on the type of facility you work in and the state of the region you are working in. Licensed practical nursing staff working in employment services can expect the best salaries while those in nursing care facilities get minimum pay. The typical annual average lpn salary will range from $30,000 to $49,000, depending on work experience and the location of the job. Online lpn programs are a very good way to get started in this emotional and physically rewarding nursing career.
Online LPN Programs
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