If you are eyeing a career in the medical field, one of the best choices is being a licensed practical nurse. Just like other medical careers, it is challenging, interesting and it also gives you the chance to move up the career ladder if you choose to. Learn how to become a licensed practical nurse, one of the most sought-after careers these days.
Globally, there is a shortage of nurses to fill the increasing demands in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other institutions where nurses are of utmost importance. More nurses will be needed in the years to come which make nursing one of the best career options. There are certainly a lot of people who want to become nurses but with the lack of nurse educators, only few of them are able to find schools where they can get placements. If you are one of those who want to become a nurse but unable to have the proper education, you can start your career by becoming a licensed practical nurse.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) Or Online LPN Programs in some states is a vital part of the nursing team. With just a year’s training, you will be able to work with the nursing team wherein you are supervised by a registered nurse. Your task as an LPN is to perform basic nursing skills such as the taking of vital signs, bedside care, monitoring of patients, routine laboratory exams and a lot more. For those who have enough experience, they may be allowed to do more advanced skills such as giving of medications and other similar tasks.
To become a licensed practical nurse, there are several things that you must first consider before you decide to enter this profession. First, you need ask yourself if you have the certain qualities that are needed to become a nurse. Remember that you are going to deal with people who are not well and who can stretch your patience to the limit. For you to be able to work as a licensed practical nurse, you will need patience and compassion, as well as the sense of responsibility. As you are dealing with lives, it is important for you to be able to think and act quickly during emergencies. And with all the events that you are going to witness every time you go to work, you need to be physically able and emotionally stable.
Once you have made a decision, the next step that you need to do when you want to become a licensed practical nurse is to find the right school for you. LPN trainings are usually offered in community colleges, hospitals and technical vocational schools. It is important for you to choose the school carefully so that you will be able to have the best training. Look for the schools that offer state-approved programs so that you can be assured of its credibility. It is recommended that you check out the programs of different schools so that you can compare them. Settle for what you think is the best, the one where you will have the best training that is possible.
After you have successfully finished your LPN training which usually takes 9 months to a year, the next step on how to become a licensed practical nurse is to take the qualifying exam which is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). The exam is administered by individual states to candidates who have the necessary qualifications. You can inquire from your state board about the requirements, the examination fees and the application process for you to sit for the exam. If you have passed the examination, you are now a licensed practical nurse. You can already start looking for jobs to start off your nursing career.
Being a licensed practical nurse is in it’s a way a very fulfilling career. It is true that you only do basic nursing skills and you work under the supervision of a registered nurse. However, doing these tasks that are assigned to you has its advantages. When you do bedside care or when you monitor a patient’s status, you are the one who gets to interact with the patient directly. You are the member of the health care team who knows the patient best since you’re the one who spends more time in the patient’s room. It is also rewarding when through your continuous monitoring, you can assist a patient recover from illness, especially when he is ready to be discharged from the hospital. These may be small and simple things but they make the profession worthwhile and satisfying.
When you are a licensed practical nurse, there are several career opportunities for you. You can choose to work in hospitals where you have a first hand experience of taking care of patients. This is also where you can do all the skills that you have learned back when you were in training school. You can also choose to work in home health care services where you teach and help families about health. There are also several nursing homes where you can be employed.
Despite these numerous job opportunities, you can choose to move forward with your career and become a registered nurse where you can enjoy a bigger salary and do more challenging work. In just 12 months, you can complete an Associate Degree in Nursing while you are still working. There are online programs that you can take to complete your degree and your tuition can be paid through tuition repayment plans from your employer. When you have finished your associate degree, you have the option of continuing your studies so that you can complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing which will open better employment opportunities for you.
Being a licensed practical nurse is definitely a great start for anyone who is vying for a nursing career. While others are waiting for their placements in school to study nursing, you are already working while completing your education. So if you are aiming for a career in the nursing field, the best way for you to start is to become a licensed practical nurse and you choose from various colleges for online LPN programs.