What to Look for in LPN Programs?

Qualified nurses are in high demand and that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. LPNs are needed at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and in home healthcare. If you are considering a career as a nurse look carefully at the LPN programs available.

There are a few things prospective students should look for when choosing a nursing program. LPN programs are offered at technical and vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, and even some high schools. The program should be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and should have a good reputation.

Check the institutions reputation and NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) examination pass percentages. A certification should take at least a year and sometimes two depending on the school and location. Take into consideration the location, prerequisites, the availability of financial aid, class schedules, flexibility, and job placement.

Your education should include a combination of classroom and hands-on training, including intern/externships. If your long term career goals include a specialty, make sure the curriculum available can accommodate that.

The educational program should have a comprehensive list of courses that will prepare a nursing student to acquire certification and pass the NCLEX-PN. Courses such as fundamentals of nursing, basic health care, biology and nutrition should be included along with a number of other practical nursing courses.

Some LPN programs advise prospective students not to take on a full-time job while enrolled but for those who feel that is not an option, there are online LPN schools and programs that offer night and weekend classes.

It is important that the instructors are either currently in the field or have been registered nurses. These type of instructors can enlighten students about the expectations of a qualified healthcare professional. A good institution will arm their students with the knowledge to acquire certification and pass the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed registered nurse.

What is Taught in LPN Courses?

While most students believe that they have a firm grasp of what will be covered in their LPN classes, it is still often useful to take a quick peek ahead as part of their preparation. 

In order to adequately prepare their graduates for the wide range of responsibilities incorporated into the LPN job description, practical nursing courses cover a vast range of topics. 

In the following article, we'll take a look at a few of the primary ones.

What is Taught in LPN Courses?

Health Care Fundamentals and Science

Most LPN programs are split into two distinctly different sections - theory and clinical study. 

The theory portion of the program is usually devoted to covering fundamentals of health care and the basic sciences.

 Material covered generally consists of human anatomy, biology, physiology and even areas of specific medical interest such as pediatrics. 

Additional time is also dedicated to the study of patient care theory, including psychology and other care-giving fundamentals.

Clinical Lab Work

Perhaps the most-important part of any practical nursing program is the section that requires students to perform lab work in a clinical setting.

 In addition to learning hands-on skills like how to take a patient's blood pressure and how to safely move an immobilized person from a bed to a gurney, future LPNs are also put into situations that require quick decision making.

Skills and aptitudes acquired during the lab phase of your LPN training will be tested and graded on the NCLEX-PN as part of the clinical half of the exam. 

It is vital that students master this portion of the material presented to them if they are to not only become licensed, but also perform well in their jobs.

Externship Programs

Many hospitals and clinics work side-by-side with nursing schools in their areas to provide externship programs to students. 

The value of such programs is immeasurable as current nursing students are given the opportunity to observe current nursing professionals during their shifts.

 This provides them with the chance to see the skills and theory they are learning put to use, and even allows for a bit of networking with prospective future employers. 

Why You Should Consider Becoming an LPN Nurse

If you're weighing the pros and cons of becoming an LPN nurse, the following article will hopefully provide you with some food for thought. 

Aside from the excitement of working side-by-side with other health care professionals, a licensed practical nurse enjoys many additional benefits - each of which serves as an additional reason to consider a career in this profession. 

This article touches on five of the most popular motivations that people have for pursing jobs in the practical nursing field.

Most-Popular Reasons to Consider Becoming an LPN

Steady Employment

The record demand for nursing professionals in today's health care industry makes LPN jobs virtually recession-proof.

While other industries look to reduce their staffing and get by with fewer employees, the nursing field is currently understaffed and looking to add new positions.

Career Growth

Many individuals use the LPN position as a gateway to bigger and better things in the medical field.

Practical nurses work closely with so many professionals from other fields that they naturally develop wide networks of colleagues and become familiar with the basics of other career paths.

Transitioning to other nursing positions is particularly easy thanks to bridge programs (LPN to RN is the most popular) that allow the LPN to move into another position through a series of evening classes.

Good Pay

Compared to the other jobs one can find without a four-year, college degree, practical nursing is very close to the top of the pay scale.

 The middle 50% of LPNs earned between $33k and $47k last year according to the United States Board of Labor Statistics, and the number was even higher for those who earned certifications in specialized fields.

Helping Others

Making a positive difference in the lives of others is often seen as one of the greatest rewards of working in health care.

With that being the case, there are few positions in the medical industry that involve more time spent interacting directly with patients than licensed practical nursing.

The satisfaction one receives from seeing the fruits of their labors on a daily basis can be a strong inducement to pursue a career in this field.

Expanding Your Skillset

Between the training they receive in school and the wide variety of skills they acquire on a daily basis, practical nurses become highly versatile.

This is important not only in the workplace, where an LPN is able to quickly fill-in for other professionals when required to do so, but in their everyday lives as well.

 Indeed, the skillset that an LPN builds can be used in a whole range of situations.

Are You Ready to Become an LPN Nurse?

So, there you have five good reasons to consider becoming an LPN.

There are certainly many others but, regardless of which motivations you have personal, you can rest assured that choosing to work in practical nursing will benefit you both professionally and personally in many different ways.

What You'll Learn In LPN Class

Before making the decision to enroll in LPN classes, it may be of interest to learn exactly what they hold in store for you. 

Licensed practical nursing requires a wide range of skills and familiarity with a vast scope of scientific theory, and the typical LPN program will devote class hours to all of it. 

Everything from basic anatomy and physiology to first aid is covered by accredited courses, so you can expect to be challenged from a variety of angles. This article provides a basic overview of the exact material covered by most programs.

Are Your LPN Classes Accredited?

 It is worth mentioning that, well in advance of attending your first practical nursing class, you should first make certain that your LPN program is fully accredited by the proper bodies. At a bare minimum, you should expect your school to be accredited by the NLNAC and your local state nursing body. The standards set forth by these two bodies provide guidelines for subject matter and hours devoted to specific areas.

What Do LPN Classes Cover?

 The primary goals of LPN classes are to prepare students for the demands of working as practical nurses and provide them with a solid foundation in the subject matter that will appear on the NCLEX-PN (the standardized exam one must pass in order to earn his or her practical nursing license). This means that, on top of hours devoted to physiology, nutrition, first aid and anatomy, you should also expect to spend a considerable amount of time practicing your skills with live patients.

Generally referred to as "lab hours", these hands-on training sessions often take place at a clinic or hospital, and require LPN students to demonstrate technical skills required by the job to a supervisor or instructor.

Other Ways to Prepare For the LPN Exam

 Aside from the lab instruction and class hours you'll acquire through your standard LPN training program (see online-lpnprograms.net for a full listing of accredited programs), preparing to take the NCLEX-PN licensure test will also require you to visit your local testing center. These facilities not only administer the actual exam, but also provide valuable study guides that can help you simulate the test environment, and practice with real sample questions from previous exams.

Where To Look For LPN Jobs

Assuming that you've finished your practical nursing training, you'll undoubtedly be anxious to begin looking for an LPN job.

And, given the record demand for new nurses in the booming health care industry, your timing simply couldn't be better. 

While other job seekers are facing a depressed employment market around the country, the medical field is actually suffering from personnel shortages. 

By incorporating a few of the tips listed below, you should be able to find a rewarding position as a licensed practical nurse in no time at all!

 

 

Take Advantage Of Connections You've Made

Over the course of the LPN program you attended, you probably built-up a mini network of future co-workers and, quite possibly, employers.

 While putting in study hours at your local clinic or hospital, you may have met staff members and managers who you can now get in touch with to request guidance in your job search.

 This assistance could come in the form of letting you know about open positions for which you may be qualified, and maybe even providing you with recommendations.

Using Employment Services At Your LPN School

A good number of practical nursing programs assist their current students and graduates with finding jobs. 

These programs can be a huge help if you're just starting out, so don't forget to take advantage of them if your school offers one.

Check The Classifieds

It may sound a little old-fashioned to some, but the help wanted section of your local newspaper and online job boards is still an effective way to find work. 

As a matter of fact, a good number of employers still rely on these resources quite heavily, so this may be the first place you hear about an opening in your area.

Volunteering Sometimes Pays Too

Although your primary goal is to find a paying job, you can sometimes get your foot in the door for a paying gig by doing volunteer work at a hospital or clinic. 

These facilities traditionally employ a good number of LPNs, so volunteering will give you access and visibility to the staff.

 If you play your cards right, this could very well lead to an invitation to join the staff full-time.

More Advice On Finding An LPN Job

In addition to the aforementioned advice on how to hunt for a job, there are also a few things you should remember when talking with prospective employers. 

Not only is it important to have a current, professionally-written resume available to present, but you should also take the time to write a cover letter that explains why you're the right candidate for the job. 

Be sure to make mention of any experience you have in the field (internships, etc.) and stress how it applies to the position you're applying for.

You should also be sure that you handle your job interview in the most-professional manner possible. 

Ensure that you are punctual, polite and well-dressed for the occasion.

 It's also recommended that you ask questions and show that you've done some research on the facility ahead of time. 

Showing that you've taken the time to learn about the position shows that you want more than just an LPN job - you want this specific job!

The Quickest Path From LPN to RN

Many practical nurses aspire to one day become RNs, and LPN to RN online programs make this transition possible in as little as six months. 

Higher wages, better upward mobility in the workplace, and greater opportunity for work in other areas all combine to make the registered nurse position an attractive one for many entry-level health care practitioners. 

In the following post, we'll take a look at several of the key benefits to using online LPN programs as your vehicle for making the transition.

Reasons to Consider Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs

Less Time Required

Without a doubt, one of the primary attractions of taking an LPN to RN program online is that it provides students with a great deal of flexibility in scheduling. Like all types of distance learning classes, this attribute makes these courses a perfect fit for parents of young children, those who are trying to juggle work and school, or anyone else who has a number of other commitments apart from their education.

Another great feature is that online classes are structured to allow the student to dictate the pace of his or her learning. For those who either feel that classes move too fast, or too slow, the freedom to move through the coursework at their own ideal speed is an enormous benefit.

For those who think that online LPN classes omit material or otherwise short-changes their students, it should come as a pleasant surprise to learn that today's distance learning students receive access to all of the same materials and learning aids that their on-campus counterparts enjoy. This generally includes access to teachers as well - albeit communication takes place via email in most classes.

Save Money

In addition to saving students money on travel, food and the other expenses associated with going to and from a physical campus, online LPN to RN bridge programs also feature lower tuitions, book costs, etc. than traditional classes. This eliminates the greatest barrier to pursuing higher education - cost - for a great many students.

It is also worth pointing out that students who go through accelerated nursing programs online will save money over the long run as well by starting their careers sooner. In terms of lifetime earnings, this can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.

Fewer Course Requirements

Because students of bridge programs will have already worked as licensed practical nurses, they will find that many of the course requirements can be satisfied by showing proof of relevant work experience. By eliminating hours upon hours of lab work, students are able to achieve a better work-school balance and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN much more quickly.

The Long-Term Benefit of LPN to RN Online Programs

It goes without saying that the greatest reason to enroll in an LPN to RN program online is that transitioning into the RN position provides a multitude of immeasurable benefits. Let's face it, most LPNs want to eventually become registered nurses. With that being the case, LPN to RN online programs offer the fastest, most cost-effective way of reaching this goal.

Licensed Practical Nursing Defined

 An LPN's job description may be slightly different from one health care facility to the next. Nonetheless, there are quite a few common threads that can be found - especially where patient care is concerned. 

As a matter of fact, regardless of whether the LPN is employed at a clinic, senior care center or general hospital, the physician's and RNs who supervise them will likely assign very similar duties.

The Basic Duties Of An LPN

Putting aside those tasks assigned to practical nurses who have earned a specialized certificate, the list of duties performed by most LPNs is primarily populated with daily patient care assignments. These usually include: collecting patient information, monitoring vital signs, providing assistance with hygiene and meals and assisting other members of the medical team with patient rehabilitation and education.

When one considers the fact that the LPN spends more time in direct contact with the patient than any other health care staff member, it is not surprising that they are also counted on by physicians and other nurses for things like updates on patient well-being, moods, etc. This vital, but sometimes forgotten, aspect of the practical nurse's job is dependent upon the LPN forming good relationships with his or her patients.

The Responsibilities Of Specialized Practical Nurses

Because of an increased need for specialization throughout the health care community, many LPN programs (even some online classes) have begun offering specialized certificate programs. Students who earn these certifications go on to fill very specific roles that ordinary LPNs would be ineligible for. Perhaps the most common of these specialized practical nursing certifications is for home care.

Working as a home care specialist, LPNs usually work with seniors in either assisted care communities or private homes. Their typical day consists of developing and implementing treatment and personal care plans for their patients, assisting with meal preparation, bathing, cleaning of living quarters, and even planning entertainment and other activities.

Physical Demands Of The LPN Job

Across almost all types of workplaces, the LPN will be asked to perform some duties that can be physically demanding. These often include: moving patients from gurneys to beds and vice versa, assisting with walking and, as previously mentioned, helping with changing clothes and bathing. It is also quite common for LPNs to spend the entirety of their shifts on their feet, which can be tiring in of itself.

Why The LPN Job Description Is Appealing

The opportunity to work closely with patients and play a significant role in their recovery appeals to a great many people. Because of this, the level of job satisfaction enjoyed by the typical LPN is generally quite high. If you are the type of person who likes to help others, and likes to see immediate results from your efforts, working as a practical nurse may be your dream job.

How Do I Become An LPN?

To land an entry-level position with good pay in the health care industry, you may want to consider becoming an LPN. 

Training for this popular position is available through a variety of institutions, ranging from online LPN programs to traditional nursing schools, and upon completing the required training, you will be well prepared for a successful, rewarding career in nursing.

Steps To Becoming A Practical Nurse

The process involved in learning how to become an LPN can really be broken down into four simple steps. This article gives a brief overview of these steps, and provides some basic advice on how to get started.

Sign Up For An Accredited Program

Obviously, the very first thing you'll need to do is begin the required schooling that all licensed practical nurses are expected to complete. Courses are offered at a number of vocational schools, public junior colleges and other institutions, and most offer equivalent levels of training. You will want to make sure, however, that the program you choose is fully accredited by your state's appropriate governing body.

Getting accepted into these programs generally requires the applicant to hold either a high school diploma or its equivalent. In some cases, there may also be requirements for standardized test scores or other supporting materials (particularly in the case of programs that are impacted).

Take And Pass The Licensing Exam

Once a student has successfully completed his or her training at an accredited LPN program, they should be ready to sit for the licensing test. The test, called the NCLEX-PN, is a standardized, multiple-choice examination that screens potential LPNs for their knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and a multitude of health care procedures and medical processes. The exam is given at a designated testing center, is timed, and monitored to ensure that none of the test takers use outside reference materials.

Those who register a passing score on the exam become licensed as practical nurses and eligible for employment at any number of different health care facilities.

Try To Get Hands-On Training

Although students will be required to complete a number of laboratory hours as part of their LPNtraining, it is extremely helpful to also bolster this training by serving as an intern at a local clinic or hospital. This experience will prove invaluable to both your education, and your ability to find a job upon graduation.

Getting Hired As An LPN

Of course, the last step in this whole process will be to get hired as a licensed practical nurse. Fortunately, if you've completed all of the other steps listed above, this shouldn't require too much effort. Your job hunt will additionally be aided by the fact that the national need for LPNs is skyrocketing due to the boom in the health care industry. Not a bad set of circumstances to find yourself in after only two years of study.

Would You Like To Become An LPN?

If you would like to enter the nursing field, learning to be a LPN could be a wonderful initial step. The fastest way for you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse is usually enrolling in an online LPN training course.

Because they are typically cheaper and easy to fit into your schedule, LPN programs online hold a tremendous attraction to a good deal of today's students.

On top of that, because nursing is among the fastest-growing occupations in the country, you can be certain after taking the handful of simple steps outlined below that you'll be well on your way to making a great salary. 

Finish an Approved LPN Training Program

Step One of your quest will be to select a well-accredited LPN school, and complete its required syllabus. Learning to become an LPN is achievable online or in a traditional class setting by using an employment center, technical college, or community college. This kind of instruction takes just one year to finish. 

Sit for the NCLEX-PN Exam

The next thing in the process is to get licensed with the appropriate regulatory body. The NCLEX-PN, or National Council Licensure Exam, is the examination given to all potential LPNs for licensure. The NCSBN conducts this examination at licensed centers in every state in the Union. 

Obtain Experience

Your next step will be to get some good on-the-job training in the nursing field. The reason for this will be to give the future LPN with first-hand contact with the actual rigors of being a nurse, and also to develop essential competencies.

Begin Your Employment

If you have successfully passed the licensing test and received a bit of experience along the way, you will be prepared to find an entry-level job opportunity. The great news is the nursing field is loaded with great opportunities. 

Why You Should want to Be an LPN

The chance to make a great living while experiencing and enjoying the added benefits of helping others is among the best reasons for being an LPN. The latest annual practical nursing salary is $36,000 to $43,000 a year. With a lucrative career in nursing so immediately in your reach, now is the time to get started on working your way through these handful of steps to becoming an LPN.