How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

It takes between 1 and 2 years to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Many universities and colleges offer certificate programs or associate degree programs for aspiring LPNs.

To become an LPN, you must complete a diploma in practical nursing through an approved educational program. These programs typically only take one year to complete and help prospective nurses learn basic nursing skills through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences.

After graduating with your diploma in practical nursing, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses exam (NCLEX-PN). You must pass this exam to practice as an LPN.

Once you've passed your NCLEX-PN, you're ready to start your career as an LPN. Starting as an LPN can be a great way to get your foot in the door and healthcare. It is common for nurses to gain nursing experience working as an LPN while advancing their education in an ASN or BSN program.

Yes, an LPN is a nurse. LPNs are integral members of the healthcare team that work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to provide patients with basic nursing care. The term nurse is an umbrella term that covers a whole range of different types of nurses, from registered nurses to LPNs to even caretakers.

Like RNs who must pass the NCLEX exam, LPNs must also pass a national licensure exam prior to assuming nursing responsibilities known as the NCLEX-PN. Both exams require that candidates have completed their nursing programs.

There are several options available to those interested in working as an LPN. Most programs take between 1 to 2 years. Whereas an RN program takes between 2 to 4 years to complete.

Similar to RNs, LPNs can perform the following nursing duties:

• Perform procedures or treatments

• Perform ongoing assessments of patients

• Complete basic care

• Take a patient's medical history

• Administer medications/ immunizations

• Start/ manage IVs

• Complete dressing changes

• Assume independent care of the sub-acutely ill or chronically ill patients

• Assist the RN in the care of an acutely ill patient

A licensed practical nurse works closely with registered nurses and physicians to provide patients with basic nursing care.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) duties can vary slightly depending on the healthcare setting and the state in which they work. For example, some states do not permit LPNs to administer medication or start IV drips. In other states, experienced LPNs can supervise and manage less-experienced nurses or nursing aides, according to the BLS.

Typical duties might include:

• Monitoring patients

• Taking patient vital signs and histories

• Performing routine assessments, such as checking blood pressure

• Changing bandages

• Inserting IVs or catheters

• Listening to patients' concerns and reporting back to RNs and doctors

• Ensuring patients are comfortable

• Helping patients bathe or dress

LPNs can also work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, and urgent care clinics. Due to an aging population, there is a growing need for LPNs in long-term care, such as rehabilitation centers, residential treatment centers, and hospices. Most LPNs work in nursing and residential care facilities.

To become a licensed practical nurse, you must complete an associate's degree nursing program and pass a state exam (NCLEX-PN).

Earning your diploma in practical nursing (PN) is the fastest way to jumpstart your nursing career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Most associate degree LPN nursing programs are two years long and cover coursework and clinical rounds.

Some programs provide accelerated training for future LPNs in as little as one year. However, you may need to have some healthcare experience to qualify for these programs.

The LPN program provides a well-rounded education for students just getting started in the field of nursing. The material covered in the program includes -

• Anatomy and physiology

• Basic nursing

• Nutrition

• Medical-surgical nursing

• Emergency care

• Pediatric nursing

• Obstetric nursing

After you graduate with your diploma, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses exam (NCLEX-PN). Once you pass this exam, you are ready to start practicing as an LPN.

The difference between an LPN and an RN has to do with the educational credentials needed for each role and the scope of their ability to care for patients.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) assists a registered nurse (RN) and doctors in carrying out patient care instructions. Since working as an RN is a more hands-on role, it requires more extensive education and training than an LPN.

At a minimum, to become an RN, you need a two-year associate degree in nursing. However, most RNs have a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing. In contrast, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) needs only a vocational or associate's degree in practical nursing. Most programs last between 1 to 2 years.

Since RNs have an expanded set of duties and are more frequently employed in hospital settings relative to LPNs. An RN is more involved in creating a care plan for patients, while an LPN is the one who is there to carry out those instructions.

Both RNs and LPNs must pass a national exam. The NCLEX is offered at both the RN and PN levels. Both LPNs and RNs go through a licensing process that is very similar to registered nurses. There is a screening process and often a finger-print based background check.

A registered nurse or RN averages around $73,300 a year, while a licensed practical nurse or LPN averages around $44,849. The biggest factor in why RNs earn more than Loans is that RNs have a much more hands-on role in patient care than an LPN who essentially assists RNs and doctors.

The fastest way to become an LPN is through an accelerated LPN program. Some schools, for example, offer fast-track licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs that you can complete in as little as six months. The average time to become an LPN is between 1 and 2 years, depending on the program.

The two main types of LPN programs are:

• ACEN or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This accreditation is recognized by the United States Department of Education as well as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

• NLNAC or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. This accreditation is nationally recognized.

Ultimately, the amount of time it takes to complete the entire course varies, depending on the school and your prior experience.

Before jumping into an accelerated program, consider how much time you can devote to class studies and homework and doing your clinical experience. Something else to keep in mind is that accelerated programs typically cost more than traditional two-year programs.

The goal of either an accelerated or traditional program is to prepare future LPNs to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) test. The school's pass rate for this exam will give you an idea of how well the curriculum is delivered to students.