Renewal
Do I have to complete CE if I do not practice nursing in New Jersey?
Yes, you must complete all of the required continuing education credits if you want to maintain an active nursing license in New Jersey. You may place your license in inactive status if you do not practice in this state. While your license is inactive, you will not have to complete CE courses, however, you will have to go through the reactivation process to return to active license status. CE credits may be obtained through successful completion of online courses but you should remember to download and retain your certificates of completion.
Practice
Are LPNs supervised by RNs or Physicians?
Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision or direction of an RN, physician, or dentist. What this means is that a practical nurse receives guidance for accomplishing a specific nursing task or activity. The registered nurse, physician or dentist may also periodically inspect or witness the performance of a delegated activity. The person who is doing the supervising delegates appropriate tasks and skills to qualified LPNs. A good example is when a registered nurse delegates the administration of intravenous medication to a practical nurse. The supervising RN must ensure that the licensed practical nurse has been properly trained and is capable of performing the skill.
Licensure
Can I take the NCLEX in a different state?
The NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. You should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and practice.
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
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
LPN Responsibilities
As part of their work, LPNs collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, and record food and fluid intake and output. They clean and monitor medical equipment and sometimes they help physicians and registered nurses perform tests and procedures. Some LPNs help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. LPNs also monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments, and gather information from patients, including their health history and how they are currently feeling. They may use this information to complete insurance forms, pre - authorizations, and referrals, and they share information with registered nurses and doctors to help determine the best course of care for a patient. LPNs often teach family members how to care for a relative or teach patients about good health habits.
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.
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) provides the highest quality certification services for nursing professionals who care for pediatric populations.