If you're interested in the Nursing profession, you might be aware that there is more than one type of nurse and designation. One is the Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. Training to become an LPN is a one year program in most instances, involving classroom education and supervised clinical practice. Training must be acquired at a state-approved school, and graduates must pass a licensing examination, the NCLEX-PIN, to become qualified to practice. LPNs are qualified to perform a range of services in hospitals, doctor's offices, skilled nursing home facilities, and in a number of other healthcare settings.
The duties of a Licensed Practical Nurse are performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), and encompass a variety of patient bedside care tasks, such as checking vital signs, preparing and administering injections and enemas, applying bandages and dressings, monitoring catheters, and treating pressure sores. In some states, Licensed Practical Nurses are allowed to administer medications prescribed by a physician and to start intravenous fluids. Collecting samples and performing routine laboratory tests are also among the duties of an LPN, as are monitoring and recording patient food and fluid intake. In a nursing home setting, experienced Licensed Practical Nurses can be responsible for supervising care given by Nursing Assistants, and aid in developing resident care plans.
There is a demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in a variety of settings throughout the healthcare industry. Demand for LPNs in hospital settings has declined in recent years, but has increased in many other segments of the health care industry. Among the fastest growing areas is the home health care field, due to an increase in older patients with disabling conditions that choose to be treated at home, and advanced technology that makes home care more feasible, even for more complex medical conditions. Nursing homes are next in line as far as job growth for Licensed Practical Nurses, due to a growing number of elderly and disabled persons requiring long-term care. Nursing home facilities are also seeing a significant increase in rehabilitation patients, released from the hospital before they are able to function sufficiently for self-care - another area in which LPNs are used.
Licensed Practical Nursing can be a very rewarding choice for many, as well as the fast track to job security in a profession that is increasingly in demand. Nursing care is required worldwide, ensuring that the nursing professional can practice in nearly any location of their choice. With the broad range of settings and specializations to choose from, Licensed Practical Nurses can easily find their perfect health care niche, ensuring long-term career growth and satisfaction.
A Licensed Practical Nurse
If you are a nurse and are looking to further your career by becoming a registered nurse or, RN, you need to know how you can propel yourself, going from a LPN to RN. Becoming a registered nurse represents a higher degree in nursing. This qualification not only enables you to practice as a registered nurse but also qualifies you to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).
A registered nurse is in a better position than a LPN for a leadership role in a hospital or clinic. This will not only help you advance your career but will also put you in place to increase your earnings substantially. It is important, therefore, to understand exactly how to progress from LPN to RN.
The path from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to registered nurse (RN) can be challenging especially if you are an active LPN because this requires you to juggle study with a fulltime job. It is important to make sure that the program you choose will suit your needs.
Take your time to check out the various schools and programs available as there are some programs that help you bridge the gap from LPN to RN. Some programs have the flexibility to be custom designed to suit your lifestyle especially if you are a working professional. You may be required to attend classes at night after work.
Some programs take into account your academic achievements as well as your career accomplishments and might award you credits as you go about undertaking how to become a licensed nurse from a licensed practical nurse. What you need to look out for when selecting a program is to choose a customized curriculum that is focused on leading you to becoming a RN, with instructors who are current, relevant and easily approachable.
As you look out for suitable courses, it will help to know that there are online degree programs that are specially created to enable you to make the move from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to registered nurse (RN). Once you've completed your program, the only thing left to do when going about how to become a RN is to take the NCLEX so that you can begin practicing as a RN.
There are courses available that are designed so that LPNs can earn credits towards their RN qualification. This will help if you are a busy LPN working towards going from LPN to RN. If you are looking to cut your costs and your time in how to become a registered nurse, you should seriously consider earning credits that give you basic prerequisites to become a RN.
There are various nursing school options available to you, and these offer you a variety of alternatives to suit your different lifestyle needs. If this option does not appeal to you, there are now many reputable online nursing schools that are not only cheaper but also convenient to attend as you can complete your basic course-work in the comforts of your home at times that are convenient for you.
As for the practical clinical requirements of a program from LPN to RN, most schools allow you to complete these prerequisites at a nearby medical facility. Remember to find out how current students feel about the online program you're thinking of enrolling in and how many students actually go from LPN to RN with the qualifications earned.
Both Amanda & Stanley Haggy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
