What Is Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
What Is Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Who are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)? Licensed Practical Nurses are these entry level health care and medical personnel, who are thoroughly trained in the nursing field through the state Board of Nursing approved and accredited LPN Programs.
They possess nursing knowledge and skills to provide acute cares and direct cares to safeguard the public health and welfare through safe, quality and competent cares by meeting their physical and psychosocial needs.
Their classroom learning/lab training and clinical hands-on experience also prepare them for promotion and maintenance of health, and preventive health cares to all age group and individuals in a variety of settings.
LPN Licensure
The successful completion of the LPN Program offers eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and passing of the exam award them LPN Licensure and credential as a Licensed practical Nurse. The licensure also permits them to work in a variety of health care settings.
The Licensure is valid for 2 years before it gets expired. The license must be renewed before it is expired by meeting the each state requirement of specific hours of working and continuing education.
If the state where you have applied for Licensure is a participating member of Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), your license is applicable in 24 other participating member states. You can transfer and practice in these states meeting their requirements.
Factors Facilitating Increased LPN Demands
The demand for these entry level nurses in these health care settings have tremendously increased in recent years due to the shortages of nurse educators to prepare new nurses and leaving of the jobs permanently by working licensed practical nurses, better health conscious among the citizens, steady growth of the ageing population and long term care needs of the average public.
LPN Programs
LPN Program features both classroom course instruction and clinical hands-on experience that can be completed through vocational or technical schools, community or junior colleges and universities, attending full time campus based day classes, part time evening classes and fully online distance learning classes for 9-12 months depending on the training providers.
The clinical training is completed under a supervised environment under RN faculties in a hospital or an approved facility among the actual patients. Though, LPN Licensure is also possible by completing 2 years ADN Program and passing of the NCLEX-PN exam.
LPN Course Curriculum
The LPN Course Curriculum include, didactic instructions in nursing theory and clinic, Maternal/Infant Nursing Theory and clinics, Pediatric Nursing Theory and clinics,, Anatomy and Physiology, psychology, Medical and Surgical Nursing, Social/Behavioral Science, pharmacology, biological science, arts, nutrition and dietary, Basic nursing diagnostic procedures, infection control, first aid and emergency cares, promotion, maintenance and preventive health cares to all age group and individuals throughout their life span and courses as required by the specific institution.
Accreditation & Approval
The accreditation to LPN Programs and schools are offered by the nationally recognized accrediting agencies – either the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE). The approvals to LPN schools are granted by the specific state Board of Nursing.
LPN Salary
As a LPN in 2020, you can earn $48,500 to $79,000 and your per hour earning can be $20 to $42, depending upon the work places, types and size of the facility, state you are employed, educational background, practical work experience, employed position and the cost of living.
Future LPN Career Outlook
The earning of the LPN Licensure opens up the wider long term career avenues for these entry level Licensed Practical Nurses. They can continue their studies and complete LPN-RN Bridge Program and LPN-BSN baccalaureate degree programs to get eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam for RN Licensure.
Once, you pass the NCLEX exam and earn RN Licensure and RN credential, you can opt for advance level RN studies for masters, post masters, specialty tracks and doctoral degrees and certificates for the higher position and lucrative earnings.
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