Renewal
Do LPNs need to take continuing education courses?
Every state has specific requirements when it comes to continuing education for LPNs. Each state board of nursing decides how many continuing education credits are mandatory for license renewal. LPN license renewals must be completed twenty-four months after the last renewal. Check with your state board of nursing to find out which courses and topics are approved and therefore will count towards the continuing education requirement.
Practice
Are LPNs supervised by RNs or Physicians?
Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision or direction of an RN, physician, or dentist. What this means is that a practical nurse receives guidance for accomplishing a specific nursing task or activity. The registered nurse, physician or dentist may also periodically inspect or witness the performance of a delegated activity. The person who is doing the supervising delegates appropriate tasks and skills to qualified LPNs. A good example is when a registered nurse delegates the administration of intravenous medication to a practical nurse. The supervising RN must ensure that the licensed practical nurse has been properly trained and is capable of performing the skill.
Licensure
How do I get a compact multistate license if I live in a noncompact state?
Only nurses who declare a compact state as their primary state of residence are eligible for a multistate license. As a resident of a noncompact state, you may apply for a license in a compact state, although your eligibility will be limited to a single state license that is valid in that state only. If you declare a compact state as your primary state of residence, your license automatically becomes a compact multistate license, as long as it is in good standing. If you're unsure of your licensure status, use the QuickConfirm tool at www.nursys.com. This report will indicate "multistate" or "single state" in the status column.
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
What education do I need to become an LPN?
LPNs must be licensed to practice in a particular state and must complete a state-approved training program in practical nursing to be eligible for licensure. Most practical nursing training programs last about one year, and are offered by vocational and technical schools or community and junior colleges. Other programs are available through high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities. A high school diploma or its equivalent usually is required for entry, although some programs accept candidates without a diploma, and some programs are part of a high school curriculum.
Career
Who are the major employers for LPNs?
Job growth will occur over all healthcare settings but especially those that service the geriatric population like nursing care facilities, community care facilities, and home healthcare services. In order to contain healthcare costs, many procedures once performed only in hospitals are being performed in physicians' offices and in outpatient care centers, largely because of advances in technology. As a result, the number of LPNs should increase faster in these facilities than in hospitals. Nevertheless, hospitals will continue to demand the services of LPNs and will remain one of the largest employers of these workers.
Organizations
American Society for Pain Management Nursing
The American Society for Pain Management Nursing's mission is to advance and promote optimal nursing care for people affected by pain by promoting best nursing practice. This is accomplished through education, standards, advocacy and research.
Arkansas Nurses Association
The Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA) is the professional state nurses' organization and speaks for professional nursing in the state. ARNA fosters high standards of nursing practice, promotes professional development, and advocates for the profession of nursing. ARNA collaborates with other healthcare providers to facilitate access to quality health care for the people of Arkansas.