Loading...Nurses are the most sought after person who are responsible for maintaining and promoting health. The duties of a nurse are very demanding and most of the patient care responsibilities are shouldered by the registered nurse. Since there is a significant shortage of nurses, RNs do not have enough time to cater with the basic patient care to all patients. In such scenarios comes the need of licensed practical nurses or LPNs.
LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians in delivering basic bedside care to patients. LPNs are trained in recording and monitoring vital signs, preparing and administering injections, performing wound dressings, collecting urine or blood test samples, and assisting in medical examinations and procedures. Besides that a LPNs also take down the patient’s information, complete insurance forms, and provide patient teachings. They generally work in hospitals but they can also find themselves woring in nursing homes, hospices, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, doctor’s offices, and outpatient clinics.
To become a LPN you should complete the LPN training program from accredited vocational/technical schools, community colleges, universities, or hospitals. You should complete one year of training before you take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Now the question comes that how to get the LPN certification
- Research schools in your area that provide nursing programs for LPNs about the cost, program length, and distance from your home and work. Research online nursing programs and compare the quality of education online versus on campus.
- Apply for the program. Gather what you will need to apply, including transcripts from high school, colleges, and all career and trade schools you have attended. The application fee is typically $25 to $75. If the school ask for refrences, you should give references of previous instructors or employers.
- After completing your state-approved nursing program, prepare for your LPN licensing exam. This exam is called the NCLEX-PN. The review courses are 8 to 15 weeks long. Purchase a study guide for this exam online or at a bookstore in your area.
- Register for the NCLEX-PN exam online at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex. Choose a payment method and register for your online web account. The cost of the exam is $200. Pay by credit card, cashiers check or money order.
- Make sure you arrive 30 minutes early at the test center to sign in. The exam fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. If you miss your test date, you will be required to pay the fee again.