LPN Programs in Florida

Renewal

How many contact hours do I need to renew my license if I endorsed in from another state?

Most initial licenses are not valid for the full two years. One contact hour is required for each month, or partial month, of the licensure cycle, including two hours on Prevention of Medical Errors. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, one-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence (DV) CE is now a two-hour requirement for every third renewal. For example, if you renew your license on July 31, 2008 and completed DV during the 2006-2008 licensure cycle, you are required to complete the Domestic Violence CE before the July 31, 2014 renewal.

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

Am I required to have multiple licenses if I accept a temporary assignment in another compact state?

When hired in a remote state for a temporary position or commuting to a remote state from the primary state of residence (usually an adjacent state), employers cannot require you to apply for licensure in the remote state when you have lawfully declared another state as your primary state of residence. Primary state of residence is based on where you pay federal income tax, vote and/or hold a driver’s license. The remote board of nursing cannot issue a license to a nurse who has declared another compact state as the primary state of residence, since the compact license from the home state applies to both states and having multiple compact licenses is therefore redundant. You have the privilege to practice in any remote compact state with your home state compact license.

Exam

What should I do if I fail the exam?

You must wait a minimum of 45 days between each examination. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course. The course includes classroom and clinical components and proof of completion must be submitted directly from the course provider prior to approval for taking the exam the fourth time.

Education

Planning Ahead for Nursing School

If you are still attending high school, there are some important things you can do to help prepare for a nursing career. First of all maintain a good grade point average (GPA). Admission to nursing school is competitive, and a high GPA greatly increases your chances of being accepted. Take high school courses that will help you with the college curriculum, such as chemistry, anatomy and nutrition. Study hard and practice so you can do well on the college entrance exams. Keep track and prepare for important deadlines such as the ACT - SAT deadline, college admission deadline, and financial aid deadline. Apply for and take advantage of any scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. Visit the schools you are interested in and apply for admission to at least two nursing programs.

To do well in nursing school you must stay focused and study hard. For most students, the first semester is one of the most challenging. Nursing students get to experience classroom instruction and participate in hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of environments. It is important to keep on top of your studies to do well on tests and clinical practice. Always keep in mind that your actions as a nursing student affect your clients. It is typical of nursing programs to require that students maintain course grade averages at or above 70. Prepare for the practical nurse licensing examination by doing periodic reviews, taking practice exams, and participating in study groups. You must pass the NCLEX-PN test to become licensed as an LPN.

Career

Employment Projections for LPNs

A large number of licensed practical nurses are expected to retire over the coming decade, creating potential job openings. Job prospects should also be favorable for LPNs and LVNs, who are willing to work in rural and medically underserved areas. In addition, many procedures that once could be done only in hospitals are now being done outside of hospitals, creating demand in other settings, such as outpatient care centers. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for geriatric patients. Growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity will lead to increased demand for LPNs and LVNs in skilled nursing and other extended care facilities. Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Organizations

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) mission is to produce evidence to make health care safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable, and to work within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and with other partners to make sure that the evidence is understood and used.

Cleveland Clinic Free Nursing CMEs

The Center for Continuing Education has been committed to sharing a wealth of knowledge with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals across the country and all over the world for more than 75 years. The Center for Continuing Education is responsible for one of the largest and most diverse CME programs anywhere.