A Beginners Guide to Practical Nursing (LPN)
Nursing is an extremely rewarding profession. People who enter into this field are responsible for the health and happiness of others who are dealing with health challenges. It takes a special person to be able to positively affect those that are dealing with the uncertainty and stress that result from health challenges. People who have the right drive and personality can thrive in the field of nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
The Important Job of an LPN
An LPN assists registered nurses and doctors with the care and management of patients, taking care of essential needs of the patient who is unable to care for themselves while they are involved in their medical treatment. A few patient responsibilities of the LPN are:
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Bathing
The LPN may also administer medication and check vital signs. Besides caring for the patients, there are also some technical responsibilities:
- Record keeping
- Providing patient status reports
- Explaining conditions and procedures to patients
- Assisting family members and caregivers to learn how to properly care for patients
It is very gratifying to be able to help people in this way, but it is also very challenging. The LPN should possess certain characteristics which are helpful to be successful in this field. Some of those traits include:
- Self-discipline
- Good communication skills
- Physical agility
- Patience
- Determination
- Passion for helping others
These are a few traits that LPNs possess. Once it has been determined that a person has what it takes to be an LPN, there are certain steps that must be taken to become a nurse. When considering becoming an LPN it is important that the prospective LPN possess a certain level of integrity. Drug tests and background tests are usually administered prior to entering an LPN program and becoming licensed.
Find an LPN Program
Joining a credible LPN program could properly prepare the prospective nurse for the licensing exam that must be passed in order to be eligible to become an LPN. The prospective LPN should also complete clinical training, which essentially gives the LPN the opportunity to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of an LPN. Clinical training is usually performed in hospital, nursing home, or a similar health care facility, and is a requirement before the prospective LPN can complete the program.
Becoming an LPN
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurse is a professional examination that must be passed before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. This is the test that actually determines whether the student will become licensed. After passing the test, the student must then apply for a license. Applications are completed with the state board of nursing.
Getting a Practical Nursing Job
Once the LPN program is completed and the graduate has become licensed, the next step is to begin working in the field of nursing. There are many different fields under the umbrella of LPN where the graduate may find work:
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Neo-natal
- Emergency room
- Rehabilitation nurse
- Burn unit
- Trauma ICU
This is a short list of specific areas in which an LPN license may be utilized. After deciding which field in which to work, the LPN should complete applications where it is likely their area of interest will be satisfied.
There are many steps that need to be taken before becoming an LPN and ECPI University is here to help you begin the process. Contact us TODAY to learn more about our Practical Nursing Diploma Program. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.