The term Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is mostly used in the US and most Canadian provinces. LPNs are nurses and they care for people who are sick, disabled, convalescent, or injured. In Ontario, Canada, LPNs are known as registered practical nurse (RPNs). The licensed practical nurses need to handle numerous responsibilities. Basic bedside care is the primary responsibility of LPNs. They are also responsible for measuring and recording patients’ vital signs such as height, weight, respiratory rate, pulse and blood pressure. They need to help patients to moving in bed, walking, standing, etc. If the patients feel difficulty in eating, LPNs must feed them.
LPN nursing schools prepare students to provide enemas and injections, alcohol rubs and massages, dress wounds, monitor catheters, etc. They also learn to collect samples for testing, recording the intake of food and fluid and its output, performing routine laboratory tests, clean and monitor medical equipment, infant care and feeding, etc. LPN nursing programs also empower students to undertake responsibilities such as monitoring patients and reporting adverse reactions to treatment or medications, teach good health habits to patients and their relatives, help registered nurses and physicians in performing tests and procedures, etc.
As per the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau, licensed practical nurses can work in any healthcare area including some specialized settings such as occupational healthcare, home care, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, etc. They are also permitted to provide care to ventilator-dependent patients, administer prescribed medicines and start intravenous fluids.
LPNs need to work during nights, holidays and weekends and should also face some occupational hazardous such as radiation, exposure to caustic chemicals, back injuries, infectious diseases, work places, etc. They must be ready to handle uncooperative, agitated or confused patients. A few percentage of LPNs prefer to work as part time.
LPN Nursing Schools
Before enrolling in LPN nursing schools, you need to consider certain factors like the type of certificate you can earn after the LPN nursing program. In order to get a valid certificate in LPN, you need to choose state approved and accredited LPN nursing schools. The fee structure of each institution is different. You can also enroll in accredited online LPN nursing schools to get training in LPN nursing courses. Some of the LPN nursing schools are:
- Indiana State University (Online),
- The CollegeNetwork (Online),
- Tri-State Business Institute, Birmingham (Practical Nurse),
- Brown Mackie College, Phoenix (Diploma in Practical Nursing)
- Fortis College, Phoenix (Diploma in Practical Nursing),
- Brown Mackie College, Tucson (Diploma in Practical Nursing),
- American Career College, Anaheim (Vocational Nursing)
- Concorde Career Colleges, Aurora (Practical Nursing),
- Cambridge Institute of Allied Health and Technology, Altamonte Springs (Practical Nursing),
- Keiser Career College, Green Acres (Practical Nurse Diploma),
- Brown Mackie College, Salina (Associate Degree in Nursing, Certificate in Practical Nursing),
- Rasmussen College, Blaine (Practical Nursing Associate Degree),
- Eastwick College, Ramsey (Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate), etc.
LPN Nursing Programs
Typical LPN nursing programs involve one year theoretical and practical classes. Hospitals, technical vocational schools, community colleges, etc are providing training in LPN to the students. In order to be eligible for a nursing licensure, the LPN nursing programs you cheese must be approved by state’s Board of Nursing. After getting a nursing degree from an accredited LPN nursing school, you need to pass National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). The cost for licensed practical nursing degree programs is depending on the school and the course you select. Some schools offer grants, financial aid and other favors to students. If you want to become a registered nurse in future, it is possible through LPN to BSN or LPN to RN programs.
Licensed practical nursing programs also cover topics such as basic nursing skills, emergency care, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, medical surgical nursing, obstetric nursing, pediatric nursing, etc. A good LPN nursing program provides hands on clinical works as well to the students. The LPN nursing school you select should be accredited by National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.