What is practical nursing?
Practical nursing is a profession related to healthcare that concentrates on delivering basic nursing care under the administration of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. Nurses provide primary, safe, and effective care to the patients in different healthcare settings. They also help in accomplishing their daily tasks and perform various duties like monitoring patients vitals, taking care of wounds, and administering medications. They serve as a link between patients and other healthcare teams and work in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Overview of practical nursing programs
Practical nursing programs are very important for the students who want to work in different healthcare settings. These programs are crafted in a way to provide students with basic skills and knowledge about practical nursing. Important aspects of practical nursing, including theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, are provided to the students. It will enable students to perform better in their field and provide safe and effective care to the patients. Students learn monitoring vital signs, generating assessments on patients, helping patients in doing basic activities, assisting physicians, and maintaining patient documentation in practical nursing programs. Enrolling in a practical nursing program brings many benefits, including fulfilling and impactful careers. Practical nursing programs prepare LPN’s to work efficiently and effectively in the nursing sector.
Program length
Certificate programs
These programs last between 12 and 18 months. Certificate programs are the shortest programs offering certificates or diploma tracks. These programs allow students to complete their practical nursing training quickly. Certificate programs provide every essential and basic skill and knowledge related to practical nursing. Students can complete their training in a shorter period of time and start working in healthcare settings.
Associate degree programs
Associate degree programs are offered in some community colleges. These programs are relatively longer than certificate programs. These programs typically last between 18 and 24 months. They provide a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on detailed learning and understanding of practical nursing. Associate degree programs may provide greater opportunities for advancement in the nursing sector.
Factors affecting the program length
There are several factors that may influence the length of practical nursing programs, such as;
Part-time vs. full-time enrollment
It depends on the students whether they want to enrol in part time or full time practical nursing programs. Students can choose according to their schedule and flexibility. Part time programs are relatively longer periods of time than full time programs.
Online vs. in-person classes
Many practical nursing programs provide opportunities for the students to take online classes. But it is not possible to complete hands-on training online. Clinical experience requires students to attend classes in-person. So online practical nursing programs are extended, and students must maintain balance between online coursework and clinical training.
Prerequisites
Some programs have prerequisites, such as courses in biology or chemistry. If a student needs to complete these courses before enrolling in the nursing program, it can extend the overall time to graduation.
Clinical experience
Clinical experience is a significant aspect of a practical nursing program. Students must complete specific hours of clinical training in order to complete the practical nursing programs and provide safe and effective care to the patients. Scheduling clinical rotations can also affect the timeline for completion.
State regulations
Each state has its own specific rules and regulations for the completion of practical nursing programs. The licensure and certification requirements of different practical nursing programs can also vary. These specific regulations can influence the length of the program and the type of training required. Students should consider the rules and regulations of different states before selecting a practical nursing program.
The path to licensure
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is the exam necessary to acquire a license as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). It is intended to assess basic understandings, skills, and abilities needed to deliver safe and efficient patient care. Every nurse must pass this exam. It ensures that the candidates have the competencies required for safe nursing practices. Preparing for this NCLEX-PN exam also requires time. It depends upon the students how much time they take to prepare best for this exam.
Conclusion
The length of practical nursing programs depends upon various factors such as type of program, enrollment status, state regulations, etc. On average, students can expect to spend anywhere from 6 months to 2 years in a program. Before choosing a practical nursing program, students must consider the program that coordinates with their schedule and personal commitments.