If you're considering a career in nursing and want to enter the field quickly while minimizing financial strain, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) could be the perfect choice for you. As an LPN, you'll provide care to patients under the guidance of doctors and Registered Practical Nurses (RNs). While some nurses choose to remain LPNs throughout their careers, this role can also serve as a stepping stone to higher-level nursing programs.
In this article, we will explore the essential skills needed to become an LPN, offer guidance on finding job opportunities in this field, and discuss potential pathways for advancing your nursing jobs. Join us as we delve into the world of LPN nursing and discover how this role can kickstart your journey towards a fulfilling and rewarding profession in healthcare.
What is a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or physicians. LPNs are an essential part of the healthcare team and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home healthcare.
The primary responsibilities of an LPN include monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds, collecting samples for testing, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), and providing emotional support to patients and their families. They work closely with RNs and other healthcare professionals to ensure the overall well-being of patients.
How to become a licensed practical nurse?
Exploring a new profession can be overwhelming, but don't worry! Here are some guidelines to help you understand how to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN):
1- Cultivate empathy for the sick
Embrace a genuine desire to assist people in need, such as the sick and elderly, with daily tasks like medication management, eating, and dressing. The rewarding aspect of being an LPN lies in your willingness to offer support.
Develop an understanding of patients' pain points. Sometimes, it may be challenging for patients to articulate their discomfort fully. By investing time and gaining a deeper understanding of their condition, you can better recognize when they are in pain.
Foster a strong desire to witness patients' recovery. Witnessing the positive transformation of a patient after battling an illness can be fulfilling for both you as a caregiver and the patient. This eagerness to see patients get better will motivate you to provide exceptional care.
2- Meet the prerequisite requirements
To enroll in an LPN program, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also require a minimum GPA, previous healthcare training, CPR certification, and a first aid course. In rare cases, certain LPN programs may even ask for college-level classes before admission. It is recommended to have a strong foundation in basic science courses like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math as they will be beneficial during the program.
3- Successfully complete the TEAS exam
While not all LPN programs require testing, many do. The TEAS exam is a commonly used assessment that evaluates your knowledge in science, math, reading, and English. It helps determine your readiness for healthcare programs. If your scores fall below the minimum level, you may need to take remedial classes before applying to the program.
4- Graduate from an accredited LPN program
To fulfill the educational requirements for becoming an LPN, you must complete an accredited LPN diploma program offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or private colleges. These programs, typically lasting one to two years, include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Course topics cover patient care, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and other nursing subjects. The program should also include certification education and information about current legislative and regulatory matters. Clinical practice involves working at a healthcare facility under the supervision of a registered nurse.
5- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
After successfully completing an LPN program, you can take the NCLEX-PN exam, which assesses your readiness to practice safely as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The exam covers various subjects, including patient care, safety, pharmacology, and health promotion. It uses computer-adaptive testing (CAT) to personalize the assessment based on your responses, ensuring a more accurate evaluation of your knowledge and abilities. The exam consists primarily of multiple-choice questions and is divided into four major Client Needs categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity.
6- Seek out practical nursing job opportunities
Once you've completed your LPN training, you'll be granted the necessary certifications to practice nursing in the UK. At this point, you can start searching for LPN positions. Here are some common settings where licensed practical nurses work in the UK.
Hospitals
LPNs collaborate with registered nurses and doctors to provide healthcare to patients. Their responsibilities encompass direct patient care and keeping families informed about patients' health progress.
Nursing homes
LPNs play a vital role in caring for patients, ensuring they follow doctors' instructions regarding medication, sleep, and dietary habits. They also assist the elderly with exercises and monitor vital signs, while providing medical updates to doctors or senior healthcare professionals overseeing patient treatment.
Military
The military offers healthcare positions for LPNs. You can apply to join as an LPN and provide care to troops during missions, including treating severe injuries and burns.
Rehabilitation facilities
Patients undergoing rehabilitation require continuous medical care and monitoring. LPNs contribute by administering prescribed medication, monitoring vital signs, and promptly responding to medical emergencies, ensuring patients receive appropriate care during trauma or illness.
Correctional centers
Correctional nurses, who are LPNs, play a crucial role in ensuring inmates receive timely healthcare. They treat injuries, dress wounds, and administer medication under the guidance of registered nurses or doctors.
Home care
LPNs can work as private caregivers in homes or offices, operating under the guidance of a doctor. They follow doctors' instructions for administering medication, providing nourishment, and offering overall patient care. LPNs providing exclusive care to patients in this setting are often referred to as private duty nurses.
By following these steps, you'll be on the right track to becoming an LPN and embarking on a fulfilling journey to provide compassionate care to those in need.
How LPNs differ from CNAs, RNs, and other nurses?
As an LPN, your scope of practice may differ from that of an RN, but you will still have valuable opportunities to apply your interpersonal and caregiving abilities while providing care to your patients.
While the responsibilities of an LPN may be less extensive compared to an RN, you will have the chance to utilize your social skills and nurturing nature to tend to the needs of those under your care.
1- Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are responsible for delivering fundamental care to patients, encompassing tasks like recording vital signs, maintaining cleanliness in rooms, and assisting with daily activities such as eating, dressing, and toileting. To qualify for this role, individuals must undergo training in an educational program, which can often be completed in as little as four weeks. Following the program, it is necessary to take and pass a certification exam administered by the respective state where employment is sought. For those aspiring to progress in their career, there is an option to pursue CNA to licensed practical nurse programs, which provides a pathway for advancement towards becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
2- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities of a CNA, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are entrusted with more comprehensive care tasks and may also assume supervisory roles over CNAs. To become an LPN, one must complete a state-approved licensed practical nurse education program, typically lasting between 12 and 18 months.
Upon completion of the program, aspiring LPNs must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This examination serves as a prerequisite for commencing work as an LPN and obtaining the necessary licensure.
If you want to prepare for your NCLEX exam and need help, take advantage of a quality NCLEX study tool like Smart’n.
Smart'n is a platform designed to support nursing students in their studies by providing access to a wide range of practice questions, rationales, and assessments.
With over 2,500 practice questions and 60+ hours of NGN NCLEX-style nursing case studies available on Smart'n, students can find NextGen questions and case studies that are concise and categorized by topic. This makes it easier to focus on specific areas of nursing practice, such as respiratory, cardiac, mental health, neurological, and more.
3- Registered nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses (RNs) assume a supervisory role over both CNAs and LPNs. They are responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care, which involves conducting diagnostic tests, analyzing results, devising treatment plans, and educating patients on illness management.
To qualify as an RN, a minimum of an associate's degree in nursing from a two-year program is typically required, although employers are increasingly emphasizing the necessity of a four-year bachelor's degree. Passing the NCLEX exam is a prerequisite for RN licensure, and many RNs choose to pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of practice to further enhance their expertise.
LPN degree requirements
1- Licensed practical nurse education requirements
The fundamental requirement to get your LPN certification and become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) score. Additionally, there are other prerequisites to consider, including completion of specific prerequisite courses, obtaining certified nurse assistant (CNA) certification, passing an entrance test, and enrolling in a degree or diploma/certificate program. Moreover, a genuine desire to assist individuals in need is essential. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of these requirements, continue reading the rest of the article.
2- High school diploma or GED
Possessing a high school diploma is a primary requirement for gaining admission into an accredited LPN program. In cases where individuals in the United States were unable to complete high school or do not meet the necessary requirements, they have the option of obtaining a General Educational Development (GED) score. The GED is a comprehensive test that assesses proficiency in subjects such as mathematics, science, writing, reading, and social studies. Additionally, educational institutions typically have minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) criteria that applicants must meet. The specific GPA requirement may differ among different institutions.
3- Prerequisite courses
To enter licensed practical nurse programs, you will need to complete certain courses that cover biology and other relevant subjects. These courses also include English to improve your language skills necessary for college.
The purpose of these courses is to provide you with essential knowledge and practical skills that are valuable both in the LPN program curriculum and in the workplace. The specific courses required may vary depending on the program, but they can include subjects like microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, developmental psychology, and medical-surgical nursing.
Some institutions may accept a minimum grade of C in the prerequisite courses for enrollment consideration. The content of these prerequisite courses can differ, and you should contact the program provider to find out the specific requirements. Typically, each course has a set number of credit hours that must be completed.
It's important to note that there is often a time limit for completing the prerequisite courses before applying to an LPN program. For instance, some programs may require completion within 7 years for science-related courses and within 10 years for non-science courses. The institute you choose for the LPN program will offer the necessary classes to fulfill the prerequisite course requirements.
4- CNA certification
To meet the requirements of certain LPN programs, obtaining a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification is necessary. The Nurse Aide program typically takes around six months to complete, offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Towards the end of the program, you will need to take an exam to obtain the certification.
During the certificate program, you will gain practical experience that will help you develop the necessary skills for assisting patients and working within healthcare teams. This is a valuable opportunity to stay updated with the latest advancements in medical science. Employers often value the extensive work experience provided by highly experienced instructors. As a CNA, you will acquire substantial knowledge and expertise in caring for patients, as you spend more time with them compared to other members of the healthcare team.
5- Entrance exam for licensed practical nurse programs
LPN programs often have competitive admission requirements, including an entrance exam called the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Your score on the TEAS exam is considered a measure of your academic abilities and can determine your eligibility for the nursing degree. Higher scores on the TEAS exam are generally associated with better performance in the program.
The TEAS exam consists of four sections, each with a set time limit. In total, you will face 170 multiple-choice questions, with one correct answer for each. The exam is scored by section, and each institute sets a minimum score requirement for admission. Failing to achieve a satisfactory score on your first attempt allows for one more opportunity to improve.
To better understand the four sections of the TEAS exam, continue reading:
Reading: This section evaluates your comprehension skills. You will read paragraphs and draw conclusions. To excel, you need to be both fast and accurate, as you have 50 minutes to answer 40 questions.
Mathematics: This section assesses problem-solving abilities without the use of calculators. You have 56 minutes to solve 45 questions. It is best to solve problems mentally. The questions cover concepts like fractions, basic algebra, and percentages.
Science: This section covers 38 questions in 30 minutes and focuses on topics relevant to the nursing profession. Examples include scientific reasoning, earth science, life science, and physical science. The purpose is to evaluate your understanding of science as it applies to the human body.
English and Language Usage: This section comprises 55 questions on grammar, spelling, and punctuation, with a time limit of 65 minutes. Strong knowledge of the basic principles of the English language will help you score well.
To prepare for the TEAS exam, it is recommended to solve practice test papers, read guidelines, tips, and other important points about the NCLEX-PN. Learning from your mistakes will aid in improving your specific skills.
To become an LPN, you must enroll in an accredited program, typically completing it within 1 or 2 years, depending on the program type and institution. Before choosing a program, consider your future goals. Continue reading to discover how aspiring LPN students decide which course to undertake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming an LPN requires meeting prerequisite requirements, passing the TEAS exam, completing an accredited LPN program, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. By following these steps, you can embark on a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, providing essential care and making a difference in the lives of patients.
FAQs
1- What does licensed practical mean in nursing?
An LPN, also referred to as an LVN in certain states, is a healthcare professional who operates under the guidance of physicians and registered nurses. Their responsibilities encompass tasks such as measuring vital signs, obtaining specimens, administering medications, and ensuring the well-being and comfort of patients.
2- What makes a good licensed practical nurse?
An effective LPN should possess qualities of empathy, comprehension, and compassion towards the individuals they care for. Additionally, they must demonstrate the ability to make prompt decisions, prioritize patient well-being, and maintain organization even in the face of unexpected emergencies or disruptions.
