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
Receiving, Transcribing, and Transmitting Prescription Orders
Receiving telephone and verbal prescription orders, transcribing, and transmitting prescription orders are activities often performed by nurses and appropriately included by many organizations in the responsibilities of LPNs. LPNs have the skill and knowledge to receive a prescription order and transcribe it accurately for other nurses to implement or transmit it to a pharmacist to dispense. Performing the activity of transcription is not considered to be delegating to others.
Licensure
What is Reregistration?
Reregistration is the process by which you reactivate your license if you have been licensed in Minnesota but have not renewed. Requirements vary depending on how long your registration has been expired and how long it has been since you last practiced nursing. You must submit an application, fee, and confirmation of nursing employment form to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. You may also have to complete and report continuing education. If you have not practiced nursing for five years or more, you are required to take a nurse refresher course or equivalent. The Minnesota Board of Nursing will give you the most accurate information for your personal situation. When your completed application and confirmation of nursing employment form are received, the Minnesota Board of Nursing will inform you whether to report continuing education hours and whether you are required to take a nurse refresher course.
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
Who offers LPN training programs?
LPN programs are usually offered in technical centers, private vocational schools, and community colleges. These educational programs prepare individuals to function as entry-level nurses upon graduation. Graduates of state-approved LPN programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination and obtain a practical nurse license. Each state has its own licensing requirements and LPNs must be licensed before they can start practicing. Most full-time LPN programs require one year of study. There are schools which offer part-time programs and these may take two years to complete. Check with the particular school or technical center you are interested in to find out what options they offer, how long it takes to complete the training, and what it costs. Practical nurses have opportunities for career growth by furthering their education and becoming registered nurses with an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Career
How can I get a higher wage?
If you are looking to increase your income as an LPN then one option is to get more education in your field. For those who are interested in expanding their nursing practice, the option of becoming a registered nurse is a great choice. Many nursing schools are offering special LPN to RN programs which take no longer than a year and a half to complete.
Another option that will help you earn a higher income is to become certified in specific areas such as long-term care, gerontology, pharmacology, or intravenous therapy. Obtaining certification in one or several areas is a sure way for a practical nurse to increase her nursing knowledge, become more marketable to health care employers, and earn a higher wage.
There are two national licensed practical nurse associations which offer certification courses for practical nurses throughout the United States. The National Federation Licensed Practical Nurses Association (NFLPN) is known for its gerontology and IV therapy certification courses. If you would prefer a certification in pharmacology or long-term care then you should contact the National Association for Practical Nurses Education and Service (NAPNES) which offers both study materials and certification exams for practical and vocational nurses. Other types of certifications are widely available from many recognized nursing organizations and include Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), wound care certification, hospice and palliative care certification.
Organizations
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide an organization through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing.
Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing
The Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing gives nurse leaders a collective voice in guiding nursing and impacting the health care system of Minnesota. Any nurse who considers himself/herself a leader in nursing is encouraged to join MOLN.