Renewal
LPN License Renewal
Licensed practical nurses need to renew their license every two years in order to maintain an active status on their state's board of nursing. Most states require a renewal fee and some states offer online renewal. Those who have an inactive, lapsed, or suspended license are not eligible for renewal and must contact their board of nursing to find out how to reactivate it. Every state has its own renewal requirements and only LPNs who meet work and continuing education requirements qualify for renewal and are allowed to practice. Contact the board of nursing to find out how many hours of nursing practice and how many continuing educational credits are mandatory for license renewal in your state.
Practice
Traditional and Non-Traditional Nursing Roles
Nurses acquire their basic knowledge, skills, and abilities while completing a nursing program. Then, as they begin working as registered, licensed, or vocational nurses, they build upon that basic knowledge and become more efficient and knowledgeable. Traditional nursing roles include providing direct client care, acting as a nursing program instructor, and working as a nurse administrator, however, there are other activities performed by nurses which use nursing knowledge and skills and may not fall within the traditional nursing roles. Volunteer positions, as well as caring for a family member or friend qualify as nursing practice in some states even if compensation has not been received. One state which recognizes volunteer positions as well as taking care of a relative is Texas.
All nurses need to comply with the Nursing Practice Act, Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, as well as any laws, rules, or regulations applicable to the nurse's area of practice. RNs and LPNs must know and follow the rules and regulations in the state in which they are practicing for both paid and volunteer nursing positions. Professional boundaries and client confidentiality should also be top priorities. An example of a nurse who may use her specialized nursing knowledge, skills and abilities is when a nurse researcher performs health related research in support of improved practice and patient outcomes. Other examples of non-traditional nursing roles include health education, utilization review, health information technology, policy and rule writing, consulting, and writing for nursing publications such as journal articles, books or continuing nursing education programs.Licensure
What does multistate licensure mean?
Similar to a driver's license, a multistate nursing license allows a nurse who is licensed in one compact state (called a home state) to legally practice in another compact state (called a remote state). The Nurse Licensure Compact requires the nurse to adhere to the practice laws and rules of the state in which the patient(s) receives care.
Exam
Is the NCLEX pass rate history of a nursing program important?
The NCLEX pass rate is just one important factor in determining what nursing program you choose. A program which consistently shows NCLEX pass rates of at least 85% does indicate that students have been prepared well and that the program is successful in educating competent nursing graduates. Many states require that nursing programs maintain a certain minimum NCLEX pass rate annually in order to remain in good standing with the board of nursing. This rate may be different from state to state, but in general a pass rate of at least 85% is required. A program's licensing exam pass rate is influenced greatly by the number of students who take the exam that year. One or two individuals who do not pass the licensing exam can greatly influence the passing rate of a small graduating class. In order to accurately understand a nursing program's success, always look at how many individuals took the exam each year and then look at the pass rate.
Education
How can I prepare for nursing school?
To be successful in nursing school, students need a solid foundation in biology, mathematics and social sciences. It is a good idea for high school students to complete courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry. Obtaining CPR certification is mandatory, since this is a requirement for nursing school. In addition to coursework, nursing students are required to complete hands-on clinical training which gives them experience in a clinical setting. Having prior certification as a nursing assistant is recommended but not required for admission in most LPN programs.
Career
Employer Size and LPN Wages
Should you choose to work as a practical nurse for a small, medium, or large health care facility? Survey data has shown repeatedly that the larger the facility that employs you the more money you will earn. What you need to look at when considering a potential employer is how many beds the facility has. The number of beds translates into the maximum number of patients the health care establishment will be able to handle at one time. Employers in large facilities, who can accommodate at least five hundred clients, seem to be the ones who pay the highest LPN wages. The average LPN income in this instance is approximately $45,000 annually. Medium size facilities, which can handle between two hundred and four hundred client beds, will pay about $3000 less annually than a large size facility for a full-time LPN employee. A small facility, that can provide care to a maximum of two hundred patients, usually offers the lowest LPN wages.
Organizations
Nursys
Nursys is the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline and practice privileges for RNs and LPN/VNs licensed in participating boards of nursing, including all states in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nursys provides online verification to a nurse requesting to practice in another state and nurse license lookup reports to employers and the general public.
Emergency Nurses Association
Originally aimed at teaching and networking, the organization has evolved into an authority, advocate, lobbyist, and voice for emergency nursing. ENA has 40,000+ members and continues to grow, with members representing over 35 countries around the world.