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 by Endorsement
If you have graduated from an approved nursing education program and have been licensed by examination in another state within the U.S. or are scheduled to sit for the NCLEX in another state in the U.S., you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement. If one or more of the following apply to you, please contact the Virginia Board of Nursing before applying:
- are not a graduate of an approved school of practical nursing
- licensed in another state on the basis of any type of nursing education program except a school of practical nursing
- you are a Licensed Vocational Nurse and did not take the NCLEX
- nursing education was received in a foreign country
- nursing education was received in another country, but the education prepared you for practice comparable to that of a registered nurse in this country.
Please read the application questions carefully before answering each question. If you need additional information, please read the Virginia Board of Nursing Laws and Regulations governing the practice of nursing. Here you can determine if your original state of licensure requires the Nursys form for verification and here you can use the Nursys online verification system. Applications for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse by Endorsement or Examination are now exclusively accepted online and you can begin the online application process here. You can find the License Verification Form here.
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
What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. The nature of the direction and supervision required varies by state and job setting. In the U.S. states of California and Texas LPNs are called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).
Organizations
Virginia Emergency Nurses Association
Virginia ENA is the state council of over 1400 Emergency Nurses throughout Virginia that are dedicated to the profession of Emergency Nursing. Involvement in ENA reflects a commitment to nursing practice and high quality emergency care.
Virginia Association of School Nurses
VASN is the leading expert in school health services for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their mission is to improve the health and educational success of children and youth in the state.