A licensed practical nurse (LPN) also known as a vocational nurse is what some may consider the entry level area of nursing. Any one considering a career as a LPN must have a general education diploma or have successfully completed high school. Training for a position as a licensed practical nurse can usually be obtained through a community college or a vocational school. With full time study most students are able to complete training within a year. After completing a practical nursing program students must complete and pass a state licensing exam. LPNs make a decent entry level salary starting anywhere from $35,000 annually for a year’s worth of training. Licensed practical nurses are trained to provide daily living maintenance to patients, dispense medication to patients, start IVs and in some medical facilities maintain medical paperwork.

For those individuals looking for higher pay and more professional responsibility seeking licensure as a registered nurse is the ideal. A registered nurse (R.N.) completes an associate of nursing degree (A.S.N.) at a local community college. With the full time study most A.S.N. programs can be completed in two years and this includes both classroom and clinical portions of the program. Nurses with a two year degree are eligible to take the NCLEX test which is the nursing certification test to obtain a license to work in their chosen state. Obtain passing the NCLEX a person is officially a registered nurse and has an unlimited amount of opportunities to work and any medical facility as a nurse. The pay for a registered nurse is higher than those of the practical nurse with starting salaries beginning as high as $50,000 a year depending on the employer. Registered nurses have the training to provide a vast amount of patient care and they can specialize in many different areas such as neonatal care, intensive care and medical surgical nursing to name just a few.

Registered nurses can further their education and receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (B.S.N). Many hospitals are willing to assist their registered nurses in furthering their education by offering tuition assistance and reimbursement. Likewise, there are many nursing programs that offer R.N. to B.S.N. programs to aid current nurses in obtaining their bachelors degree. For an R.N. bridging their education to a bachelor’s degree it can take anywhere from two to four years to finish the program depending on full time or part time study. For those without previous nursing experience a traditional B.S.N. program is four years in duration. A bachelor’s degree in nursing helps to expand on the clinical skills already obtained and then offers a core in nursing foundation such as the history of nursing and the application of nursing on a broader level such as in administration.

Finally, there are a number of advanced practice degrees that can be obtained by nurses with a four year degree. The Master’s of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) can be obtained in a variety of specialized fields such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice nurses are highly trained in their chosen areas and earn a much higher income because of the additional education and training. Most master’s degree programs can be completed in two years if attended full time.

Anyone considering nursing as a profession has a variety of pathways to beginning their nursing career.

In terms of the textbooks required, the nursing student is responsible for the purchase of these and it is stating the obvious that she is going to have to read and study them too. Nursing process is a big deal and the student needs to understand how this evolved, the history behind it, and theoretically, how to put nursing process to practical use.

Every class, from nursing process to chemistry and anatomy will have their own textbook requirements, and they are an integral part of the teaching method. Each text book deals with a specific part of the accredited curriculum, at various levels and new text books will more than likely be required for each year of the course of study. First year text books will not necessarily be helpful in second year nursing and so on.

The study of nursing is complex; don’t let anyone tell you it is easy, they are not telling the truth. It is for this reason that many nursing candidates start as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nurse and work/study their way up through the ranks to RN, BSN, and even MSN. Nursing is a hands-on, practical career, despite all the theoretic knowledge required.

The kinds of injuries and ailments they are required to deal with on a daily basis are in the thousands and this is the information that text books contain. They need to be able to discuss all of these conditions in a knowledgeable manner with eh physician in charge and know the exact nursing process to take to treat a patient. Remember in the clinical situation it is the nurse who spends the majority of the time with the patient, not the doctor.

Another very good resource for nursing textbooks is a nursing library, and believe it or not, nursing libraries are available online. These libraries are easy to use and have massive resources and material available. It is simple to find everything the nursing student could possibly require, from research to patient care and these libraries can save a lot of time and heartbreak. They are specific to nursing reference material and these site offer simple abstracts as well as very helpful tutorials.

• Useful nursing libraries include, but are not exclusive to:
• Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine
• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
• Lippincott’s Nursing Centre

Nursing school is an investment of time, energy, and money. Your nursing textbooks are resources that can serve you well long after you get your nursing degree.

The demand for LPN’s does not only extend to clinical situations they are in huge demand in the normal workforce as technology advances, and this makes it definitely a career opportunity which is more diverse. Training as and LPN is also a good stepping stone to get started in nursing and advance a career into and RN or even BSN. In nursing there is no limit to how far a career can go.

Overview of KPA’s (Key Performance Areas)

The LPN, like all nurses, cares for the injured, ill, infirm, disabled or convalescent patient. By nature they are sympathetic care givers and they work under the direct supervision of an RN or physician. Depending on what is expected of them, they are trained to and may:

• Take health information from the patient
• Take vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
• Prepare and administer injections
• Help patients with their personal hygiene needs
• Perform routine lab tests and take the samples for these
• Care for infants
• Educate patients and their family members about good health
• Supervise CNA’s (Certified Nursing Assistant) and aides

Tuition

Educational programs for LPN’s involve a year of study and this can be done online, at a vocational or technical/community college or a hospital. It is a more practical nursing program than  the RN program for example. Bear in mind that the program has to be certified and accredited by the State Board of Nursing, as this is the only way to obtain a license to practice. Graduates of the program must pass a National Council Licensure Examination, and each individual state in the US administers this examination.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees cost approximately $2 000 but this obviously varies from institution to institution and considering and online college, may save quite substantial amounts in tuition fees. Grants, financial aid and bursaries are available to help students complete these studies.

Future Work Prospects

LPN’s have very good future work prospects, presently they are in great demand and this demand is expect to grow by 14% in the next six years. Hospitals are obviously the first port of call when seeking work, however home health care services, and care facilities have great need of these nurses too. The Baby Boomer population is finally ageing and it is this which is expected to increase the demand for more nursing services. Advanced technology allows physicians to perform procedure in their rooms which were typically performed in hospitals decades ago and this make the LPN role vital in terms of post operative doctors’ room and home care.

Distance Learning

Distance or online learning is available for most degrees that are available in traditional educational facilities and nursing is no different. The college or university must be accredited with the US Department of Education or any of the 6 regional or 52 national bodies funded by this department – accreditation is the key word here!

The beauty of distance learning is that it allows many more students access to training and education that may not have been available to them normally. It also allows students to complete their courses in their time, so they may work and be educated at the same time, a very necessary evil in this day and age of economic strife. As long as an online teaching facility is accredited it is also allows for eligibility for the same scholarships and financial aid as students enrolled in traditional facilities.

The Online Nursing Degree

Just as the class-based nursing degree is a popular course, so too is the online course; if not more so. There has always been a shortage of nurses and this is still the case. Because distance education is so flexible, it has boosted the popularity of the nursing degree and made it more accessible. Students are able to learn through some of the best universities and colleges in the US regardless of their location.

Many different degree programs exist, including online LPN nursing classes. This provides the opportunity to achieve a 4 year degree in as little as 2 years.

Practical Application

Practical lab work needed to complete course modules can be undertaken in a local area, and so can other practical classes. The university or college will arrange for this on behalf of the student as it is important for student to be able to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired online. A licensed professional will be able to verify that the practical work was undertaken and this is not an obstacle to learning.

In the initial phases of an online education process, finding employment in the nursing field may be a little more difficult than with a traditional degree, but times are changing fast. Employers are seeing the benefit of employees taking online courses as they are still able to work and no leave of absence is required. Recent research also shows that hospitals and other employers are more eager to provide financial assistance to staff who undertake online degree courses in nursing, because of this fact.

Conclusion

Online nursing degrees are rapidly gaining more credibility in the eyes of more traditional institutions. It is vital not to support online scams in this important service industry, and this can be done by only attending an accredited nursing school. It is a simple matter to verify these credentials with the US Department of Education.

The overall demand, which includes LPN travel jobs, is expected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016 – a growth rate outpacing all other occupations, both in and out of the health care industries. This reflects the ever-increasing demand for the long-term care of an ever-growing elderly population. Aside from the elderly, however, the demand for general health care service professionals, particularly LPNs is significant. Patients, whether young or old who require professional nursing care, but are not yet well enough to go home, but not disabled enough to remain in hospital, are also on the rise due to innovations in technology, as well as budgetary constraints in hospitals.

Enrolling in at least one class, which could include online LPN nursing classes, will open the door to employment in private physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, ambulatory surgical, and emergency medical centers. This is due mainly to the rise of outpatient procedures, including minor surgeries now performed outside hospitals.

Additionally, the demand for them to perform home health care services is certainly already on the rise, as advances in technology makes it easier for elderly patients to be treated in their own homes, especially for those with just minor functional disabilities. Of course, the need for LPNs to perform home health care services is not just limited to the elderly population; the disabled young and convalescing of all ages are included amongst the needy. LPNs in the home are an invaluable resource to family caretakers, who require instruction and guidance on how to care for their loved one, as well as to teach patients to help themselves to perform certain tasks where appropriate.

LPNs are usually also responsible for the supervision of CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistant) and aides. Other duties of an LPN may include the collection of samples for testing and the performance of routine laboratory testing.

To meet this demand, colleges, universities, and vocational schools have stepped up their offering of Licensed Practical Nursing programs, and the number and quality of their LPN nursing classes. In the United States alone, there are roughly over 739 nursing schools offering nursing classes for those interested in pursuing this career path. Most nursing programs require a minimum of one year of school for basic training, but more and more have enlarged their nursing programs – awarding bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. If you are considering transferring to a university nursing program from a vocational or technical school, community or junior college, it is best to verify whether the LPN nursing class or classes you are taking will be transferable.

A typical LPN nursing class may consist of learning procedures such as measuring, monitoring, and recording blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, height, and weight. Additionally, the nursing student learns how to give injections, insert and monitor catheters, dress wounds, administer enemas, and give massages. Other duties taught in a CNA nursing class include how to aide doctors in procedures such as the delivery, feeding, and care of infants.

Accordingly, the Licensed Practical Nurse is an integral employee in the ever-expanding health care industry, making LPN nursing classes invaluable assets to the professional nurse.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) also known as a vocational nurse is what some may consider the entry level area of nursing. Any one considering a career as a LPN must have a general education diploma or have successfully completed high school. Training for a position as a licensed practical nurse can usually be obtained through a community college or a vocational school, or through online LPN nursing classes. With full time study most students are able to complete training within a year. After completing a practical nursing program students must complete and pass a state licensing exam. LPNs make a decent entry level salary starting anywhere from $35,000 annually for a year’s worth of training. Licensed practical nurses are trained to provide daily living maintenance to patients, dispense medication to patients, start IVs and in some medical facilities maintain medical paperwork.

For those individuals looking for higher pay and more professional responsibility seeking licensure as a registered nurse is the ideal. A registered nurse (R.N.) completes an associate of nursing degree (A.S.N.) at a local community college. With the full time study most A.S.N. programs can be completed in two years and this includes both classroom and clinical portions of the program. Nurses with a two year degree are eligible to take the NCLEX which is the nursing certification test to obtain a license to work in their chosen state. Obtain passing the NCLEX a person is officially a registered nurse and has an unlimited amount of opportunities to work and any medical facility as a nurse. The pay for a registered nurse is higher than those of the practical nurse with starting salaries beginning as high as $50,000 a year depending on the employer. Registered nurses have the training to provide a vast amount of patient care and they can specialize in many different areas such as neonatal care, intensive care and medical surgical nursing to name just a few.

Registered nurses can further their education and receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (B.S.N). Many hospitals are willing to assist their registered nurses in furthering their education by offering tuition assistance and reimbursement. Likewise, there are many nursing programs that offer R.N. to B.S.N. programs to aid current nurses in obtaining their bachelors degree. For an R.N. bridging their education to a bachelor’s degree it can take anywhere from two to four years to finish the program depending on full time or part time study. For those without previous nursing experience a traditional B.S.N. program is four years in duration. A bachelor’s degree in nursing helps to expand on the clinical skills already obtained and then offers a core in nursing foundation such as the history of nursing and the application of nursing on a broader level such as in administration.

Finally, there are a number of advanced practice degrees that can be obtained by nurses with a four year degree. The Master’s of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) can be obtained in a variety of specialized fields such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice nurses are highly trained in their chosen areas and earn a much higher income because of the additional education and training. Most master’s degree programs can be completed in two years if attended full time.

Anyone considering becoming a nurse as a profession has a variety of pathways to pursue their career, beginning with choosing their nursing degree.

You do not have to select the traditional campus programs and the length of time that nursing school programs require can vary. Today you can choose from a 4 year, 2 year or 1 year program and become an RN or an LPN. With the flexible scheduling at some of the technical schools and online programs, such as online LPN nursing classes,  you can even take longer periods of time to complete your actual program requirements.

In the past when someone enrolled in many of the nursing school programs the course schedules were very inflexible and you had few options. Today you can take your nursing prerequisites like science, English and math at times that are convenient for you. There is not any pressure to get these completed by any set date that is up to you to decide. With online nursing programs you can have flexibility in scheduling many of your classes so they will not interfere with your current job or family responsibilities.

Some of the traditional 4 year nursing school programs will hold great appeal for high school students in particular. Others will greatly prefer the options and flexibility that is offered by online and 2 year nursing school programs. You can find out information on all of the programs that are being offered in your area and reach the decision that is best for you.

The bottom line is this: If you have the desire to become a nurse, there are nursing school programs that will meet your needs, classes that can be taken either at local campuses or online, and a myriad of resources to help you pay your way. Don’t let scheduling, distance, or cost dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. Health care is one of the best fields you can enter, and as a nurse, you’ll have lifelong job security, financial freedom, and the satisfaction of knowing your are doing something positive in the world!

But hold on a moment-you aren’t really a nurse until you have passed a very important test called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX is the test that once passed qualifies an individual who has completed an accredited nursing program licensure to practice nursing professionally. It is a very important test and must be passed in order to be employed as a nurse throughout the United States.

The NCLEX is made and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. It comes in two forms the NCLEX-PN for those seeking licensure as a practical or vocation nurse and the NLCEX-RN for those seeking licensure as a registered nurse.

This test is given and overseen by each state separately. There is a cost associated with taking this exam and it is professionally monitored. If the exam is failed you have to wait a grace period of about 45-90 days before you can retest. Each state decides how many times an applicant can take the test after failing it. Moreover, the test is varied in composition mixing multiple choice with fill ins and rankings, and it is time limited. The exam is what is called CAT computer adaptive testing which allows the computer to choose the questions in a certain sequence based on the test taker’s previous answers. This provides an idea of the test taker’s knowledge of specific questions related to certain aspects of nursing. Because of the cost, time and significance of the NCLEX you should definitely prepare for this exam.

You would never want the many years of nursing school to go to waste all because you failed to pass the NCLEX so you should definitely prepare for this exam. There are nursing school programs that do devote time to reviewing for the NCLEX but given all that has to be covered within a nursing curriculum seeking an additional source to prepare for this test is vital. After graduating from nursing school it should be a priority to take this test as soon as possible since much of what you have learned is still fresh. Seek the support of NCLEX study groups; purchase the many NCLEX review materials and study, study, study. Review everything especially triage information and pharmacology because there is a good chance there will be questions related to these topics. This test will determine whether you will be able to work so it is in your best interest to prepare!

The NCLEX is one of the most important tests you will take as a nursing school graduate. Showing competence on this test by successfully passing it shows that you have truly taken the steps needed to become a qualified licensed nurse. From there, you can enjoy your well-earned career as one of the health care industries true hero’s, whether you’re caring for a newborn infant, an elderly man, an accident victim, or all of them!

LPN’s, or Licensed Practical Nurse, sometimes known as an LVN or Licensed Vocational Nurses, care for the health of patients under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses (RNs). An LPN’s responsibilities can be broad.

Becoming an LPN, particularly through online nursing classes, offers a fast entry into a nursing career – a student can obtain a license within one year. LPNs have a foundation for advancing their careers into nursing jobs that offer higher pay and responsibilities. For instance an LPN can become an RN through one of many available LPN to RN degree programs.

Attending some of the more traditional nursing programs is not possible for many people who have jobs and families. Their daily schedules just do not allow them the luxury of going to class during the day.  Even though some people had a great desire to become a nurse they were just not able to fit the course schedules into their limited available time. Commuting back and forth on a daily basis also posed a problem and poses a greater problem now that gas costs are so high; but nursing schools online offer an alternative. A lot of individuals have continued to hold on to the hope that they could one day make their dream of becoming a nurse happen. Now nursing schools online are making nursing a career that everyone can pursue. This is opening the doors of opportunity to a highly paid and rewarding job that can last you a lifetime. With a career in nursing you will enjoy job security, good pay and good benefits while making a difference in the lives of others.

With nursing schools online you now have the ability to structure nursing classes around your schedule so you can make it work. The courses can be taken online during the hours that are convenient for you and they will not interfere with your daily life. These are accredited institutions that are doing their part to help with the shortage of nurses that is seen across the country.

LPN nursing classes programs, which involves substantial clinical time, have usually only been available available on site, at a hospital or teaching facility. Online classes offer busy adults the flexibility of completing course requirements during nights and weekends.

Availability of online LPN nursing classes used to be the province of already-licensed LPNs that are seeking to advance their careers and expertise. But over the last few years, there has been rapid growth in these online programs – there are now hundreds – because of their flexibility for busy, working adults and those distant from a school. Online courses can be completed at convenient times and any location with an internet-connected computers. For programs with clinical segments, these are typically coordinated with an appropriate medical facility that is close to the student.

With more than 2 million jobs, nursing is the largest of all the health care jobs and occupations. Nursing is one of the 10 occupations projected to have the largest numbers of new jobs. With an ongoing chronic, world-wide shortage of qualified applicants, job opportunities are extremely good. As a nurse, your earnings are above average, particularly for advanced practice nurses, who have additional education or training.

There are many, many specialties, degrees, certifications that you can pursue. Below are some of degrees you can pursue through a nursing school program, either campus-based, or online.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Takes 2-3 years. Offered at many community colleges. Prepares you to provide RN care in numerous settings.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide RN care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.

Masters Entry Level Program in Nursing
Designed for adults who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to become RNs. Takes 1-2 years depending on how many nursing course prerequisites you have already completed. Graduate receives a masters degree.

Once you have completed those steps your on your way to a rewarding career in Nursing.

If you are interested in a health care career, but aren’t able or ready to pursue a 2- or 4- year degree, you might want to consider an accelerated degree program.

Another consideration is to pursue a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant certification. The requirements are much lower, and CNA training classes are much easier and quicker to complete. This can also be a great stepping-stone to becoming a licensed nurse, and can give you invaluable “hands-on” exposure to virtually every environment and facility that you would find as a nurse.

Once you have completed your degree your steps will differ depending on which state you live in. Most of the time, you will need to send an application to the Board of Registered Nursing within your state. To receive the application simply go to your favorite search engine and search for your state’s Nursing Application. In addition to an application, you will need to have your Nursing School send your transcripts to the State Board. The last step will be to take and pass the National Council Licensing Examination.

Depending on which different type of nursing degree you choose, you may not be able to find a campus based nursing school program in close proximity to your home, if this is the case you should consider online nursing schools as they provide an alternative to campus based education. You can find online courses and degree programs for nearly any area or specialty.