 A practical nurse takes
a patient's blood pressure. Someone once said that nurses are angels in comfortable shoes. If you have the compassion and drive to care for people who are sick, elderly or disabled, a career in nursing may be a perfect fit. It won't be glamorous, but there's no better way to touch lives. You'll never doubt that you are doing meaningful work, and with the current nursing shortage there is a high demand for nurses, making today an excellent time to wear scrubs to work. Training as a licensed practical nurse (LPN)—known in some states as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)—is the fastest way to enter a career in nursing. With about one year of study, you'll be ready to provide a wide variety of direct care to patients in many settings, from clinics to long-term care facilities.  We have compiled some resources to help you learn more about licensed practical nursing. From the ideal LPN personality traits to the variety of LPN career settings and nursing opportunities, you are sure to find information that will prepare you to start the process of becoming a successful angel incognito. Learn more by reading the following articles: Licensed Practical Nurse Career Overview Learn how advanced technology has increased the demand for LPNs and LVNs outside of hospitals where more jobs and more diverse career opportunities typically exist. Get a licensed practical nurse career overview in addition to LPN salary, career outlook and education information. Get the answers you need to become a licensed practical nurse today. Licensed Practical Nurse Schools and Training Programs Once you have decided you want to become a licensed practical nurse, the next step is finding a licensed practical nurse school and training program that will help set your career up for nursing success. Learn the important questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a LPN nursing school and what to expect in terms of LPN courses and program length of study. LPN Jobs: Everyday Tasks and Ideal Skills Wouldn't it be nice to know what to expect from a career before you spend tuition money and your precious time and energy on obtaining a degree? Well, this article will help you gain insight into the everyday tasks associated with licensed practical nurse jobs as well as the skills needed to be successful. The ability to handle stress and good physical fitness are just a couple of the skills needed to be a LPN. Learn whether being a licensed practical nurse is the right career choice for you. Licensed Practical Nurse Career Paths A LPN nurse career has many specialty opportunities. Knowing which areas you want to specialize in before you begin your licensed practical nursing training program can be very helpful because you are able to focus your studies and clinical hours on your long-term goal. Maybe you enjoy adventure and travel? If so, a career as a LPN travel nurse might be the ticket. There are also many opportunities available in LPN military nursing. Learn more about the versatility of a licensed practical nurse career. LPN Accreditation Attending an accredited licensed practical nursing school provides a seal of approval to your nursing education and helps you gain credibility to potential employers. Get a LPN accreditation overview to learn the benefits of attending an accredited LPN school. State Boards of Nursing Get a complete list of nursing state boards to research the nursing requirements in the state where you want to practice. Attending a good LPN nursing school is only one of the important elements involved with getting a proper nursing education—you also have to research your individual state requirements to make sure your LPN education is compatible with the eligibility requirements in your state. Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008
LPN Nursing Student Resources, 2008 |
