subject: LPN Courses And Schools - The Beginning Of A Rewarding Career In Licensed Practical Nursing [print this page] LPN Courses And Schools - The Beginning Of A Rewarding Career In Licensed Practical Nursing
Ready To Be An LPN?
When a person is looking for a rewarding career, they don't have to look any further than employment as a licensed practical nurse. After all, LPNs (short for licensed practical nurses) touch the lives of the sick and help them to ease their suffering. Before a person decides to become an LPN, they should learn all the roles and responsibilities that an LPN has. This will help them have an idea of what is expected on the job.
Hard Work, Exhaustion, And The Demanding Job Of An LPN
There's plenty of potential with a career as an LPN, however, the job is very stressful and demanding. It also exposes people to real health hazards and exhaustion (both physical and emotional). It's a must that a person knows their ability to handle this job before they start a program.
LPNs always have close contact with patients, as their primary job is to see to patients at their bedside.
They must observe conditions, checking for any abnormalities that may require immediate assessment and/or treatment.
They must help patients who are sick or injured with their daily living activities if they're unable to do so themselves.
LPNs are allowed to give patients certain types of medications and educate both patients and families about how to live a healthier life.
They also manage nursing assistants and talk with registered nurses and doctors to maintain quality patient care.
It's obvious that LPNs play many roles when it comes to the medical field, thus, making them a valuable asset.
LPNs can obtain more skill and knowledge in certain areas of the medical field. They can, if they wish, undertake training in areas such as:
Long term care
Gerentology
By gaining more knowledge and focusing on other specialties, they have more jobs they can apply for as well as a higher income. LPNs looking to go after a registered nursing position can enroll in a bridging program without spending a lot of time to get their license.
Get An LPN Degree Today
If a person wants to earn their LPN credentials, they have many places to obtain it including:
Community colleges
Hospitals
Medical centers
Technical LPN schools
Universities
Vocational LPN schools
Students should check the school's accreditation before signing up to ensure that their education will be usable after graduation. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredits LPN courses.
What LPN Schools Require From Potential Applicants
What do prospective LPN students need to have before they apply to LPN schools? They need to have either a high school diploma or GED before being allowed to enter a LPN program. Other prerequisites at every LPN program can differ so those interested need to check with the schools they are genuinely interested in.
What To Expect From LPN Programs
These programs have a variety of aspects to them:
First, it involves classroom lectures along with clinical rotations in health care facilities with real patient management.
Second, clinical supervision helps to enhance the students' technical and clinical skills (students are evaluated based on what they know up to this point by trained medical personnel).
The following are courses that future LPNs normally must take:
Anatomy and physiology
Drug calculation and administration
Fundamentals of practical nursing care
Medical-surgical nursing
Nutrition and dietetics
Obstetrics
Pediatrics
Psychiatric health nursing
First aid training is also taught so that LPNs have the necessary skills in cases of emergency.
If a person is looking for professional growth opportunities, an LPN career would be the way to go. All they need is a strong work ethic, education, and training.
