Renewal
LPN License Renewal
Licensed practical nurses need to renew their license every two years in order to maintain an active status on their state's board of nursing. Most states require a renewal fee and some states offer online renewal. Those who have an inactive, lapsed, or suspended license are not eligible for renewal and must contact their board of nursing to find out how to reactivate it. Every state has its own renewal requirements and only LPNs who meet work and continuing education requirements qualify for renewal and are allowed to practice. Contact the board of nursing to find out how many hours of nursing practice and how many continuing educational credits are mandatory for license renewal in your state.
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
Practical Nurse Licensure Requirements
The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, is required in order to obtain licensure as an LPN. The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based exam and varies in length. The exam covers four major client needs categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
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 does it mean for a program to be accredited or approved?
The approval of a nursing program is different than the accreditation the program receives. While both approval and accreditation are key elements of a successful nursing school, these two terms do not mean the same thing. A state's board of nursing has the power to approve nursing programs within that particular state. When a nursing program is approved by the board of nursing it means that the curriculum meets the standards set forth by the state's laws and regulations. Only students who complete a state-approved LPN program are allowed to sit for the NLCEX-PN licensing exam.
State approval of a nursing program ensures that specific standards are met, protecting both the students and the clients receiving nursing care from program graduates. A nursing program may receive recognition, gain status and earn credentials from an official agency other than the state's board of nursing. This is known as program accreditation. Accreditation focuses on program quality and excellence. National accreditation agencies for nursing programs include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Some scholarships are available only for students who attend accredited nursing programs.
Career
Employer Type and LPN Wages
As stated by the American Hospital Association, nonprofit facilities in the United States are more prevalent than for-profit ones. Even though the number of nonprofit health care facilities is almost triple that of for-profit ones, more practical nurses are employed by the for-profit type. The reality is that given the same job and working conditions, nurses will choose the employer who will reward them better for their services. On average, working for an investor-owned, for-profit organization, means earning at least $2 more per hour than working for either a state operated and funded organization or a nonprofit one. The difference in pay does not seem big at first glance but for a full-time LPN job, the $2 difference can add up to an extra $4,000 annually.
Organizations
New Mexico Nurses Association
NMNA promotes high standards of nursing practice through professional and educational advancement of nurses, personal and professional self-advocacy, recognizing the contribution of the nurse in health care, and by upholding the integrity of the New Mexico Nursing Practice Act through legislative, regulatory and policy making endeavors.
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses
The National Federation of Licensed Professional Nurses (NFLPN) is the professional organization for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses and practical nursing students in the United States.