Practical nursing is a critical and rewarding profession that gives essential care to patients in many healthcare environments. Depending on the state, practical nurses—known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)—are essential for providing first-hand care and assisting registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.
Educational pathways to become an LPN.
High school diploma or GED
In order to enroll in any LPN program, all applicants should possess at least a high school certificate or any equivalent General Educational Development (GED) credentials. Such a prerequisite education is aimed at fulfilling the LPN program requirements in that it offers basic skills essential for proper functioning at an academic level, including English, math, and science, among others.
Completion of an approved practical nursing program
The most fundamental criterion for pursuing a career in LPN is to successfully finish a government-recognized, practical nursing program. This program is usually found in community colleges and vocational and technical institutions. Such programs often take approximately 12 to 18 months to complete, leading to a diploma or certificate.
Program curriculum
The curriculum of practical nursing programs includes both theoretical classes and hands-on experience.
Nursing Fundamentals: Introduction to basic nursing skills, ethics, and legal responsibilities in healthcare.
Anatomy and Physiology: related to the study of internal structure and functions of the human body.
Pharmacology: Basics of medications, dosage calculations, and safe administration techniques.
Medical-Surgical Nursing: Training on handling common medical and surgical conditions in patients.
Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing: Focused training on the care of children and elderly patients.
Nutrition: Understanding the importance of proper nutrition in patient care and recovery.
Mental Health Nursing: Basics of psychological care for patients with mental health conditions.
Clinical practice or hands-on training
In addition to theory delivered in classrooms, all state-approved LPN courses provide practical training, which is also referred to as a practicum. The practicum involves hands-on work with patients in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Clinical practice experience helps students gain different skills such as:
- Vital signs monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Administration of medications
- Patient hygiene assistance
- Basic patient assessments
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
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). Every nurse must pass this exam. It ensures that the candidates have the competencies required for safe nursing practices.
State licensing requirements
In every state, there is a board of nursing that oversees the licensing processes for practical nurses. Following the completion of their studies and passing the NCLEX-PN test, graduates are required to seek licensure from the relevant board in their respective states.
Career opportunities for practical nurses
Working in hospitals
After completing a practical nursing program, most graduates will likely consider working in a hospital. In a hospital, LPNs are expected to work with RNs and doctors in caring for the patients. Hospitals differ in the responsibilities that they assign to their LPNs. However, LPNs in a hospital setting can be expected to perform functions such as taking patients` vital signs, helping with basic care of the patient, giving medications, and working on the patient’s care with other nurses.
Employment in nursing homes and long-term facilities
LPNs are mostly employed by nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Practical nurses in these settings continue to care for geriatric patients or patients with chronic illnesses who need assistance every day. Tasks range from aiding in hygienic operations, administering drugs, dressing wounds, or working/effective communication with other people in a medical setting to promote the health of the residents.
Home healthcare
Home health practice is quite simple for those who are used to the one-on-one mode of care. In this case, home health LPNs make visits to the residences of the patients and offer the needed care, most commonly to nursing cases. Therefore, responsibilities help a patient with medication, carry out basic checks on the patient’s health, take care of the patient’s tights, and educate the patient and relatives on how the care would be.
Outpatient clinics and physician offices
Outpatient clinics and physician offices also hire LPNs who help in patient care, usually in a more predictable, less hospital work-related setting. Duties of LPNs in these types of positions can include, but are not limited to, taking patient histories, helping the patient prepare for an examination, injecting medications, drawing blood samples, and teaching the patient.
Correctional facility nursing
A career as a licensed practical nurse in a correctional facility can also prove to be an extremely demanding yet rewarding career for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding occupation. In most LPN correctional facilities, basic health care services include medical assessments, administering pills by prescriptions, and emergency services to inmates. This is mainly because the majority of such establishments need a high amount of adaptability and safety awareness.
Conclusion
Practical nursing is a rewarding and versatile career path with many opportunities for advancement and growth. With educational and clinical training backgrounds, practical nurses are important team members in healthcare. With the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, LPNs will continue to be an important link in the healthcare chain to provide optimal care and improve patient outcomes. For those who want to make a difference in other people’s lives, practical nursing pathways will provide an opportunity for this rewarding and promising journey.