When considering whether or not to go to nursing school, a lot of people opt for the licensed practical nurse education instead of registered nurse programs. The reason for attending LPN school instead is because this program only lasts a year. Further, because you can get licensed in a year, you can go out and work quicker. A lot of LPNs do this and then go back to school later for their RN degree once they have some experience.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require that a licensed practical nurse passes a license exam. This exam is called the NCLEX-PN. When they pass this, they are considered to have completed their licensed practical nurse education.
Most of the time a high school diploma or GED is required to get into the program. However, there are high schools that work with vocational training centers and a lot of the time these kids are taking the LPN training while they are still in high school.
LPN education can be obtained at local vocational centers and technical schools, or even at the local community colleges. Sometimes universities will offer the LPN diploma program, but usually they reserve their nursing programs for the RN degree.
When going through LPN training, students participate in classroom study with an instructor along with clinical practice in the hospitals or nursing homes in the area taking care of patients.
Their study includes anatomy and physiology, pediatrics, medical-surgical areas of nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Licensed practical nurse education also includes training in the administration of medications, nutrition and first aid.
In order to become licensed, a student first has to complete their LPN program. At that point they are allowed to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Passing this exam is required in order to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. There are four major categories of information covered on the NCLEX-PN. Further, this test can be as little as 85 questions or as many as 205. It depends on how many you get wrong as to how many questions are asked. The test can take as long as five hours as well.
Just because someone completes their licensed prcatical nurse education and passes the NCLEX-PN doesn't mean they will be a great LPN. LPNs should also be caring people. They need to be emotionally stable because working with the injured and sick can be hard on them. Being observant and having great decision-making skills is very important in this position as are communication skills. They have to be able to explain to their patients how to care for themselves at home.