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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs
Are you researching licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs and trying to decide if pursuing a career in this area of health care is the right fit for your caring and compassionate nature? If so, read this article and learn more about the role of an LPN, nurse training programs, and the types of skills you can expect to learn when you attend a nursing school.
What Will You Learn?
LPN programs will teach you to provide direct patient care under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses (RNs). Most programs generally last a year, and involve plenty of hands-on training to prepare you to take on a wide range of nursing tasks.
You will be trained in basic bedside care, which includes:
- Recording vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, pulse, respiration)
- Giving injections
- Assisting with personal care (i.e. bathing, dressing)
- Dressing wounds
You will also learn important clinical skills, such as:
- Collecting samples for testing
- Performing routine laboratory tests
- Cleaning and monitoring medical equipment
In addition, you will develop a solid foundation of nursing knowledge in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases
- Ethical and legal responsibilities
Finally, you will learn how to act as the essential communication link between patients and other members of a health care team. Often, you will be the one that has the most direct patient contact, which means you're the best person to monitor a patient's condition, and report any changes to a doctor, RN, or another LPN. Nurse responsibilities could also include gathering medical information, and using it to complete critical health documentation, such as medical records, referrals, and insurance forms.
Where Will You Work?
Many LPN programs offer the opportunity to complete a practicum in the field, which can provide you with valuable, real-world experience. Once you graduate and earn your designation as an LPN, you can expect to find career opportunities in a wide range of health care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Doctors' offices
- Medical clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Home health care agencies
- Acute care centers
How Do You Get Licensed?
Upon completion of your program, you must successfully take the licensing examination from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in order to gain the designation of licensed practical nurse (LPN). This computer-based exam covers four major areas:
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Safe and effective care environment
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
Therefore, an essential question about any LPN program is whether or not licensing preparation is included within the curriculum.
Are you ready to take the next step, and find a nursing school that's right for you? If so, browse this guide to LPN programs today!
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