LVN Programs in California

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

Can I get a compact license if I own property in a compact state?

In order to be eligible for a compact license, your declared primary state of residence must be a compact state. Owning property in a compact state is not sufficient to meet residence requirements. Proof of residence includes obtaining a driver's license, voting, registering to vote or filing federal taxes with an address in that state.

Exam

Can I take the NCLEX in a different state?

The NCLEX-PN exam is administered on a computer at approved test sites throughout the United States. First, the nurse graduate chooses a test center where to take the examination. Since all states administer the same exam, it is not required that a candidate sit for the examination in the same state in which he or she applies for licensure. Each exam is individualized according to the responses given to previous test questions but all exams follow a standard plan. A minimum of eighty-five (85) questions must be answered by a candidate in order to determine a pass or fail status. Some candidates may be answering items for up to five hours in order to finish the test. Every question is multiple choice and each item needs to be answered in order to move to the next one. Candidates with disabilities need to notify the test center in order to receive special accommodations. The NCLEX-PN exam has no more than 205 questions but you can pass with only 85 if you answer correctly. Those who fail the test can take it again but must wait at least forty-five days to retest.

Education

Is it possible to work during nursing school?

Licensed vocational nurse programs are demanding in terms of the time you need to spend studying and practicing clinical skills. Ideally you should only concentrate on school and leave work for after you graduate, however, most LVN students are adults with responsibilities, families, and bills which need to be paid. Therefore, staying employed while attending LVN school becomes a necessity for most vocational nurse students. Many training schools in California do offer part-time and evening vocational nurse programs.

These types of programs are your best choice if you need to work and go to school. Classes are usually held during the week for about five hours every evening. This type of schedule allows you to work during the day and also weekends if you need to. Make sure you devote enough time to studying for your LVN classes so that you will do well on the state examination once you graduate. Having an understanding and supporting family always helps when you need to balance work and school responsibilities. Remember that most LVN programs are only about a year and a half long, at the end of which your hard efforts will lead to a successful career as a nurse.

Career

What kind of services do LPNs provide?

Practical nurses are licensed health care providers who provides care under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. An LPN must have a high school diploma or GED and a practical nursing program diploma. Practical nursing programs must be at least nine months long. These programs prepare the student nurse to take the national licensing exam.

A practical nurse can provide the following services: administer medication as directed by the RN or physician, provide bedside client care, observe, measure and record a client's status and vital signs, use catheters and suctioning devices. When additional training is completed the LPN may administer IV therapy, blood and blood products, and assist with dialysis. Because practical nurses receive less training than registered nurses, certain nursing procedures may only be performed by RNs.

Organizations

California Vocational Nurse Educators

Established in 1968, CVNE has been a strong voice in support of vocational nursing across the state of California, promoting the principle that LVNs are an integral member of the health care delivery team.

American Nurses Credentialing Center

The mission of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), is to promote excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify and recognize individual nurses in specialty practice areas, recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments, and accredit continuing nursing education organizations.