| What training is needed to become an LPN? A high | | | | anxious, so an effective nurse should have an |
| school diploma or GED is necessary to begin an LPN | | | | empathetic and caring attitude. An LPN also needs |
| training program. Training programs for LPN's last | | | | to have an even temperamentso that he or she can |
| from 1 year to 14 months, and teach students | | | | stay calm in stressful situations. In addition, LPN's |
| anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, practical | | | | must develop critical thinking skills, and be observant |
| nursing skills, medical-surgical nursing, nutrition, | | | | and have strong communication skills. |
| obstetrics, pediatrics and psychiatric nursing. After | | | | As of 2008, licensed practical nurses held 749,000 |
| completing an LPN training program, students are | | | | jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, |
| eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. | | | | this number will grow to 854,000 by 2016, indicating a |
| Training programs for LPN's require a high school | | | | 14% in employment over an 8 year span. While |
| diploma or GED for admission. LPN training programs | | | | opportunities will remain strong in hospitals, LPN's can |
| can be found at many community colleges, and | | | | expect to find the greatest number of new nursing |
| vocational schools. | | | | jobs in home health care services and long term care |
| Licensed practical nursing training programs take | | | | facilities. In addition, advanced medical technology |
| about one year to 14 months to complete and follow | | | | has made it possible to go to their doctor's facility for |
| a curriculum approved by the state's board of | | | | procedures that were typically performed only in |
| nursing. Students will receive hands on training and | | | | hospitals in the past. |
| work with real patients to develop the caring attitude | | | | Licensed practical nurses play a vital role in caring for |
| that helps a nurse provide effective care. Students | | | | patients who undergo such procedures and may |
| in LPN training are taught job duties such as: | | | | offer assistance at the health care office. |
| • Administering medications | | | | The higher demand for this occupation results |
| • Measuring vital signs | | | | primarily from the aging baby boomer population and |
| • Collecting diagnostic samples | | | | a general increase in demand for health care |
| After successfully completing an LPN training | | | | services.If later on in one's LPN career, one may |
| program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN | | | | decide to become a registered nurse, (RN), through |
| exam, designed by the National Council of State | | | | an LPN Classes to RN program, one's experience as a |
| Boards of Nursing. Passing this exam is required to | | | | nurse can help the nurse you test out of some |
| gain LPN certification. The exam tests an aspiring | | | | classes, saving the student time and money. |
| nurse's ability in these areas: | | | | Professional advantages, personal rewards, and |
| • Providing a care environment that is safe and | | | | endless chances to help others—the LPN field |
| effective | | | | delivers it all. With an exploding job market and |
| • Promoting and maintain patient health | | | | career opportunities opening up in a range of |
| • Ensuring patients' physiological and psychosocial | | | | industries, the nursing arena is calling out to |
| integrity | | | | candidates who are ready to put their hearts and |
| LPN's like all nurses, work with patients who may be | | | | minds to work for those of us in need of care. |