In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, the practical nurse is the backbone of every aspect of patient care, providing direct hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings, such as clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and more. A practical nursing degree offers individuals a great practical education to transition quickly to the medical field and is a worthy career educational option for those who have a vested interest in helping others. Unlike lengthier degree programs that can take several years to complete, the practical nursing program is relatively timely, often lasting about 12 to 18 months from start to finish, which is ideal for those looking to join the workforce quicker.This degree is ideal for those seeking stable, respected, and/or growth potential in their lives. If you are either beginning your journey in the health care industry, or you are switching careers to be a practical nurse for job security, a liveable wage, and the priceless opportunity to contribute to helping others, then a practical nursing degree may be exactly the right fit for you. Through a practical nursing cohort program, you will learn classroom theory and experiences coupled with clinical application and be exposed to a solid foundation of nursing knowledge including anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, medical ethics, and effective patient communication.
Understanding the role of a practical nurse
A practical nurse, also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), is a member of the healthcare team that practices in an assistant capacity. LPNs, work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Their responsibilities include providing eating, drinking to patients, monitoring vital signs, dispensing medications, assisting patients with bathing, dressing and other activities of everyday life, and providing people support for feeling and coping. Practical nurses play an important role in patient safety and care affairs while receiving level of care during hospitalization, or when visiting a physician for regular health visits. Their ability to form a strong caring and trustworthy relationship with patients is very important to a safe care environment, and part of the healing process. They are often the first point of contact between the patient and the health care team e.g. medical team when further care is needed whether on leave from direct care or as an outpatient or resident in a long term care facility.
Overview of a practical nursing program
Practical nursing education is offered by community colleges, vocational colleges and technical colleges. The majority of programs can typically be completed in roughly 1 year if students are enrolled on a full-time basis. The practical nursing program combines the academic portion of the instruction as well as clinical experiences and a majority of the courses are based on all aspects of nursing. In most programs, students study the following core subjects: human anatomy, human physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing and other related subjects. Clinical rotations take place in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other healthcare settings with experienced professionals and these are invaluable. One unique element of a practical nursing program is the focus on practical skills. Registered nurses are asked to multitask more with complex plans of care and managerial functions, while licensed practical nurses will frequently implement bedside nursing care more directly. The curriculum prepares students for their required NCLEX-PN exam, which is needed to become a licensed practical nurse to legally practice.
Advantages of earning a practical nursing degree
One of the greatest benefits of a practical nursing degree is the program length. These programs, unlike traditional four-year nursing degrees, allow students to join a rewarding profession of nursing within one year. This is especially appealing for those who want to begin earning a living quickly or for those who want an affordable means to obtain a healthcare credential. The program serves as a gap for individuals wishing to pursue further education and career advancement later. Many LPNs become RNs, Registered Nurses, through the completion of bridge programs which often allow LPNs to receive credit for already completed coursework or practice experience. This allows practical nurses to increase their skill level of care, continue their education, and move qualifying scope of practice and earnings potential up, while not having to start from scratch. In addition to these benefits, practical nursing is an extremely satisfying career choice. The work of a practical nurse provides someone with the unique opportunity to directly affect patient outcomes and form strong bonds with their patients. For many nurses, the joy of being able to comfort, heal, and support others everyday is very fulfilling.
Challenges of the profession
While being a practical nurse provides a sense of fulfillment, it brings some challenges too. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) often have to work long hours, they are on their feet most of the day, and they experience emotional situations such as patient deaths and emergencies. LPNs must navigate up to six or more responsibilities, provide treatment to patients, maintain a professional boundary with their patients and colleagues, and remember what is in compliance with the regulations for their professional practice. In addition, as LPNs are practicing under the direction of their supervisor, RN or physician, and some may also feel they do not have the ability to make the same decisions as RNs or they have limited ability to function independently as a nurse because of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act restrictions, they may feel limited in what they can practice. Also, some may feel there is limited opportunity for mobility; unless they return to school for further education. Many challenges are curbed, limited, and worked through with experience, training, and support.