what is an lpn course

LPN diploma programs cover basic nursing and health sciences concepts, including:

• Biology
• Pharmacology
• Psychology
• Human development
• Nursing care across the lifespan

Full Answer

What classes are required to become an LPN?

• Anatomy and physiology
• Principles of nursing
• Diet and nutrition
• Introductory pharmacology
• Pathology

What colleges offer LPN programs?

LPN programs are typically offered at vocational schools, technical schools, state colleges, nursing universities, online LPN programs, and other higher education institutions. The best LPN schoolfor you is the one that prepares you for success as a nurse. Many two year colleges that offer associate degrees also offer LPN programs.

What degree or certificate is an LPN course?

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) A diploma or certificate is awarded to students after the completion of this non-degree nursing program. Licensed Practical Nursing programs were traditionally offered at hospitals and large health care centers. Today, however, many community colleges and vocational schools offer similar programs.

How long does it take to become a LPN?

Take a look below at some of your options:

1. The standard path The most common way to become an LPN is a two-step process. First, you need to get certified by completing a practical nursing program. ...
2. The accelerated path This option is a faster version of the standard way of becoming an LPN. ...
3. The no-certification path

What are the education requirements for a LPN?

Postsecondary nondegree awardLicensed practical nurse / Entry level education

What is better an RN or LPN?

RNs Have More Responsibilities & Can Provide Higher Levels of Patient Care. RNs have a broader scope of practice and require considerably more education to earn licensure. RNs can also work independently in most areas. LPNs, however, must work under a physician or an RN's supervision.

What does LPN Nursing mean?

Licensed practical nursesLicensed practical nurses are qualified to handle many tasks that are necessary to keep patients comfortable while at the hospital or in other types of medical settings. LPNs handle tasks like: Recording patients' vitals, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.

Can LPNs draw blood?

LPNs may take all types of blood specimens from all types of clienteles and in all care settings, as described in the LPN competency profile. For example, LPNs may: Take a blood culture specimen. Take a specimen for coagulation testing.

How much does an LPN make?

$50,090 per yearThe average annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) is $50,090 per year ($24.08 per hour), according to 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). LPN's in the top 10% earn more than $65,000 per year ($31.50 hourly based on a 40-hour workweek).

How long is LPN program?

one yearIn order to become an LPN, you must complete a diploma in practical nursing through an approved educational program. These programs typically only take one year to complete and help prospective nurses learn basic nursing skills through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences.

What can a LPN do vs RN?

RNs have a more expanded scope of practice than LPNs, in that they can perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, and educate patients on how to manage their health after treatment. RNs also oversee LPNs, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and home health aides.

What can a LPN not do?

The Licensed Practical Nurse is not permitted to give any type of drug through an IV line (depending on the state). The LPN may flush a peripheral IV line in preparation for the Registered Nurse to give an IV medication, but the LPN cannot actually give it.

What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?

An RN is a Registered Nurse, while an LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPNs do not have the full scope of practice that RNs do.

What is the role of a licensed practical nurse?

LPNs care for patients with lower acuity and cannot administer IV medications, perform wound assessments, or lead a code.

What is an average LPN salary?

According to the BLS, the average salary for an LPN is $48K.

How long does it take to become an LPN?

An LPN program can be completed in as little as 1 year.

Does an LPN draw blood?

LPNs are allowed to draw blood in most states, although the exact rules vary by state.

What is LPN in nursing?

This course will provide you with information about the history of nursing, the roles and responsibilities of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) within the contemporary healthcare team, the settings in which the LPN practices nursing care, the components of the nursing process, critical thinking, the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and communication with the patient, family members and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team .

What do nurses learn in school?

Student practical nurses will learn about the stages of growth and development as well as the age specific characteristics and needs for the infant, toddler, preschool child, school age child, adolescent, early adulthood, middle aged adults and the elderly. The age groups along the continuum of life.

What is practical nursing?

Licensed practical nurses provide care to patients of all ages. They, therefore, must be knowledgeable about the biological, psychological, cognitive/intellectual, social and spiritual needs of patients from the neonate to the elderly person so that care and communication can be modified according to these needs.

What is a gerontology nurse?

Gerontology Nursing. Gerontology nursing includes the care of the elderly population in terms of their age specific characteristics and healthcare needs. The older patient is cared for in a variety of settings in which the licensed practical nurse practices. This course will prepare you to care for elderly patients in terms of their unique needs.

What is the purpose of assessment in nursing?

The purpose of assessment is to allow the licensed practical nurse to determine the healthcare needs of the patient in collaboration with the registered nurse.

What are the courses required for LPN?

Here are just a few of the courses you can expect to see on the LPN track: 1 Structure and Function of the Human Body: Students will gain a working knowledge of the human body, including tissues and cells and the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems. You’ll also complete an introductory study of the body systems, including the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems. 2 Introduction to Nursing: Here, students gain a basic understanding of nursing theory, standards of care and medical terminology. 3 Client-Centered Care I, II, III, and IV: These four courses build upon one another to teach students how to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life healthcare settings, including caring for patients with various disorders or other health needs. These courses also include a clinical component. 4 Principles of Pharmacology: Students are given a foundation of knowledge related to major drug classifications and how medications affect the body. They explore how to safely administer medication, including legal, ethical and professional considerations. 5 Principles of Mental Health Nursing: This course prepares students to care for patients with mental health concerns, including crisis management interventions. This course also covers caring for patients with substance abuse or addictive disorders.

What is Rasmussen College's Practical Nursing Diploma?

These aren’t skills you’ll be expected to pick up on your own! Rasmussen College’s Practical Nursing Diploma courses are designed to provide aspiring LPNs with the knowledge and skills they need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and work with patients in the field.

What are the soft skills needed for a nurse?

Nurses at all levels need a variety of soft skills that help them effectively connect and communicate with patients. Critical thinking, communication and working well with others are all necessary traits for LPNs, according to ONET.

Can you do nursing without real life experience?

There’s only so much you can do with the knowledge of nursing without taking it into the field for real-life experience. Many of Rasmussen College’s Practical Nursing Diploma courses include a clinical component that allows students to gain hands-on experience with qualified professionals.

Do I need an associates degree to become a LPN?

One thing you should know right away is that the phrase “LPN degree” is a common misnomer. While it might be used as casual shorthand, you should know LPNs don’ t typically need an associate’s degree to get started in their nursing career. Instead, they’re typically prepared for the role through a certificate or diploma program like Rasmussen College’s Practical Nursing Diploma, which can be completed in as few as 12 months. 2

What is LPN in medical?

An LPN is responsible to provide the medical help to patients of all age groups. Therefore, it is evident for an LPN to be knowledgeable about the psychological, spiritual, social, cognitive needs of the patients of all ages. So the curriculum focuses on imparting the knowledge about various phases of the growth and development of the human body. It essentially covers a great deal of matter related to the characteristics of all age groups from infant to elder age. The course covers theories of well-known theorists such as Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Sigmund Freud to give exposure to psychosocial and cognitive development.

What is the curriculum of LPN?

The curriculum of the LPN program consists of both classroom education and clinical experience . We have listed specifically what you learn in the span of the course. The following description will enhance your understanding about the training courses that an aspiring LPN has to go through.#N#Introduction to Nursing And Role of an LPN-

What is the role of a LPN in a health care team?

It is basically about providing the information regarding nursing, the important duties and contribution of the LPN in a health-care team, the elements of the nursing process, how to think critically, effective communication with the health care team, patient and family members.

What is the third semester of LPN?

The third semester is that time frame of the LPN course when the classes approach the end. This is the time when you will be wrapping up your preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam leading to the beginning of your career as a professional LPN. Completing the course requires to give you exposure to the remaining subjects like Nursing 107, Nursing 108 and Nursing 109. These nursing courses aim to cover the psychosocial phase of nursing and everything you will need in your daily life as an LPN.

Why is LPN important?

The profession of an LPN is highly responsible one because the life of a patient is subjected to risk while implementing any procedure. So there has to be some legal system which decides the norms according to a standard. It is essentially required for an LPN to honestly follow the code of conduct regarding laws, practices and ethical principles. The curriculum makes you familiar with the standards related to nursing care, nurse practice acts in the states, what does the state board of nursing do. Besides you get to know what malpractice and confidentiality of patient are all about and how do abuse and neglect affect children, spouses, and elders.

What is pediatric nursing?

Pediatric nursing is one of the specialty care areas of nursing practice which is a subject for developing a sound knowledge of the specific age group. The needs of patients from a new born child to an adolescent is addressed in pediatric nursing. Although in an LPN school you will graduate with a proper understanding of a human life span, some students develop a keen interest to work in this area of nursing only. The course covers extensive knowledge about nutrition needs, issues with growth, safety, fear, and death. In this way, you will start recognizing the vital signs that work as the physical assessment from head to toe of a patient until he or she is an adolescent.#N#Gerontology Nursing-

How long does it take to become a LPN?

Generally, the average time period to complete an LPN program is 12-18 months. Once you enroll in an LPN course you have to go through the entire syllabus devised for an LPN student.

How long does it take to become an LPN?

To become an LPN, you will first need to complete an accredited program for practical nursing. Training programs for LPNs typically take about one year to complete, and your coursework can cover subjects such as biology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing practices and clinical practicums.

What is the job of an LPN?

Working as an LPN can serve as a practical step toward advancing your career in healthcare. With a wide variety of specialty licenses open to practicing LPNs, the career field seems to offer a high level of job security, too.

What is a practical nurse?

A practical nurse—or "licensed practical nurse (LPN)"—is a medical professional who has completed a degree program in practical nursing and who has completed the national exam requirements for licensing. LPNs may work in a variety of healthcare settings to provide basic and specialized medical care to a diverse range of patients.

How much does a practical nurse make an hour?

According to the Indeed salary guide, the national average salary for a licensed practical nurse is $23.85 per hour. When assuming a 40-hour workweek, this hourly wage calculates to an annual salary of $49,608. Additionally, there may be some states that have higher salary averages. Some of the states where LPNs may earn more than the national average salary include:

What is the role of a LPN in 2021?

They may take on responsibilities such as caring for sick and injured patients, assisting in rehabilitation treatments and supervising certified nursing assistants and orderlies. Working as an LPN can also be a good way to enter and advance in the nursing field.

What is the difference between a LPN and a RN?

There are also differences in the job duties that an LPN and RN may perform. An LPN is licensed to provide basic patient care while an RN is certified to take on more dynamic tasks in caring for patients.

Where do LPNs work?

Oftentimes, licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, rehab centers and private practices under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses.

What is an LPN?

An LPN may be the person who takes your vitals before the doctor comes in for your exam. General Hospitals. LPNs are most frequently in charge of responding to patient requests, giving medications, taking care of wound dressings, and helping patients feel comfortable.

What does LPN mean in medical?

In some particularly busy general care offices, LPNs might help smooth the patient experience. An LPN may be the person who takes your vitals before the doctor comes in for your exam.

What is LPN in home health?

In this case, LPNs provide similar care to what they would in a nursing home or hospice center.

What is the role of a registered nurse?

Registered nurses have generally completed more education than LPNs, and are in charge of giving medication and administering tests and treatments. LPNs manage basic patient care such as checking blood pressure and vitals, and helping patients eat and get dressed. Both roles are critical to the care and comfort of patients.

Can you see a LPN in a nursing home?

In most cases, the LPN will not be the medical practitioner you are scheduled to see. Instead, they will be working as an assistant to the medical professional or doctor who has primary charge of your care. As a result, you may see an LPN in a variety of different medical facilities. Nursing Homes. Most commonly, LPNs are found in long-term care ...

What is LPN in nursing?

Licensed practical nurses (LPN) are the stepping stone into a successful nursing career. Our trusted nursing experts are informed educators, experienced in their crafts, and advocates for healthcare professionals.

How long does it take to become a LPN?

To obtain state certification, LPN's must complete accredited LPN programs, which generally take around one year to complete. LPN programs are offered at many community colleges, technical schools, and even hospitals throughout the United States and Canada.

What is a LPN in Texas?

The simple answer to this commonly asked question is, well, simply the name. For example, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Arizona who wishes to relocated to Texas or California, obtains his or her license in either state and is now called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).