Do you want to become a nurse? If yes, consider a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) . The practices of licensed practical nurses can vary from state to state so it is important to choose the right LPN program to ensure you are eligible for your desired job as a licensed practical nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse – LPN
As people will always get sick, nursing will always be around. Individuals interested in nursing careers often begin as nursing assistants. A nursing assistant works in nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals and other long-term care settings. Nursing assistants help patients of all ages perform basic daily tasks, and makes for a great first step into nursing. The average nursing assistant salary is generally less than a licensed practical nurse salary.
LPN Programs
It is possible to obtain some of your practical nurse diploma by taking LPN classes online. An LPN class online offers flexibility and is convenient for students with busy schedules. Another popular LPN class schedule is to take classes in a hybrid format. A hybrid LPN program exists when classes are offered online and on campus. Earning your practical nurse diploma through a combination of online practical nurse classes and on campus classes provides the benefit of online classes with the hands on experience only available by being in a lab.
LPN School Requirements
The LPN school requirements at WSU Tech can be found on the Practical Nurse Checklist. Within the requirements are a list of Health Core classes and certifications that must be completed in order to be eligible for acceptance. Having a current certification with the KDADS as a Certified Nurse Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is among these requirements. The CNA program at WSU Tech is a short term health program that can be completed in five weeks to three months. To enter the CNA program or the LPN program students must first complete an application at www.wsutech.edu/apply or by visiting a WSU Tech campus.
The LPN skills list below provides an idea of what LPN’s do. These will vary based on the “scope of practice” laws in the state where you work.
- Administer oral and intravenous medications
- Chart in the medical record
- Take the patient’s vital signs
- Change wound dressings
- Collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum, etc
- Insert and care for urinary catheters
- Care for patients with tracheostomy tube and ventilators
- Insert and care for patients that need nasogastric tubes
- Give feedings through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube
- Care for ostomies
- Monitor patients for a change in clinical condition
- Call the physician if needed
- Perform CPR in emergencies
- Are supervised by an RN
(source: practicalnursing.org)
Become a Nurse
LPN opportunities for advancement include becoming a registered nurse (RN) or continuing to a university and earning a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSN). LPN opportunities to work from home exist due to the wide variety of LPN jobs and places of employment.
Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse
Are you wondering how to become a RN? Did you know you can go from LPN to RN? Students who complete their LPN certification at WSU Tech can take it to other universities and community colleges and apply for their Registered Nurse programs. LPN to RN bridge programs are attractive because they build on knowledge received as a LPN. Students can also bridge from a Licensed Practical Nurse to a Bachelor of Science Degree or BSN.
LPN Jobs
When looking for licensed practical nurse jobs or LPN jobs there are many choices for employment including home health care, nursing homes, medical offices and hospitals. Other non-traditional LPN jobs include families hiring an LPN as a private nurse for a family member and health insurance companies hiring LPNs to answer patients’ questions. LPN school nurse jobs is yet another opportunity for employment as a licensed practical nurse. An LPN school nurse job could be at an elementary school, high school or even at a college or university.
LPN salary according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics states a median hourly wage of $20.43 as of May 2014. However, LPN salary or how much an LPN makes varies based on where someone works and their experience level.
