Renewal
Renewal of Licensure for LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licenses expire on February 28 of even years. To renew, you must attest that you have completed continuing education (CE) required by the Nursing Rules and Regulations and that you have practiced Nursing at least 1,000 hours in the past five years or 400 hours in the past two years. A percentage of RN and LPN licensees will be randomly selected for audit of their CE and practice requirements. You do not need to send any CE reporting forms or other CE documentation to the Delaware Board of Nursing office unless you receive an audit notice in addition to the renewal notice.
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
Clinical Experience Requirements
The Board's Rules and Regulations requires nursing programs to include minimum hours of clinical experience. To take the NCLEX-PN, your LPN program must include at least 200 hours of clinical experience. To take the NCLEX-RN, your RN program must include at least 400 hours of clinical experience. In addition, both LPN and RN programs have to include concurrent or correlated theory and clinical practice in the physical and mental health care of individuals of all ages, the nursing care of mothers and newborns, children, adults, the aged, individuals with mental health problems, and individuals in diverse settings, not necessarily in separate courses.
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
Job Duties for Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs care for patients in many ways but often they provide basic bedside care. Many LPNs measure and record patients' weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and give alcohol rubs and massages. To help keep patients comfortable, they assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking. They might also feed patients who need help eating. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.
Organizations
National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing education, the National League for Nursing is the preferred membership organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. NLN members include nurse educators, education agencies, health care agencies, and interested members of the public. The NLN offers faculty development programs, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives.
Delaware Student Nurses' Association
The DSNA is a pre-professional organization for pre-nursing and nursing students enrolled in Delaware accredited diploma, associate, and baccalaureate degree programs. The goal of DSNA is to promote the development of professional leadership in nursing students while providing a collaborative relationship with other members of the health care team and the community.