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
What is the practice of nursing?
The practice of nursing is a set of interactions that take place between the nurse and the client. The process starts with a detailed assessment of the client’s health care needs. The nurse interviews the client and sometimes the family to obtain the health history as well as the current health status. The nurse physically examines the patient and also reviews the client's medical record including important data such as the results of diagnostic tests. Nursing assessment is followed by developing a plan of care which address the client's ongoing health conditions. The goal of a nursing plan of care is to improve an individual's health status and to prevent future illness. The interventions outlined in a nursing plan of care may include support with activities of daily living as well as highly complex technological services such as ventilator support. It is the nurse's job to observe the effects of the services being provided to each client and to make necessary adjustments. The nurse should always be the patient's advocate and act in the client's best interest.
Licensure
How do I get licensed in a noncompact state if I live and am licensed in a compact state?
You need to apply for licensure by endorsement to the board of nursing in the state where you seek a license. Applications can be found on that board of nursing's website.
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
What is the projected demand for LPNs?
Demand for LPNs will be driven by the increase in the share of the older population. Older persons have an increased incidence of injury and illness, which will increase their demand for healthcare services. In addition, with better medical technology, people are living longer, increasing the demand for long-term healthcare. In addition to projected job growth, job openings will result from replacement needs, as many workers leave the occupation permanently. Very good job opportunities are expected and rapid employment growth is projected in most healthcare industries, with the best job opportunities occurring in nursing care facilities and in home healthcare services. There is a perceived inadequacy of available healthcare in many rural areas, and as a result LPNs willing to locate in rural areas should have good job prospects.
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.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
NAPNES is the oldest association that advocates the practice, education and regulation of practical and vocational nurses as well as the organization that is responsible for the legislation that provides for the licensure, and education of practical nursing in the United States.