Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), as they are called in the state of Texas, have become a part of the basic medical team. They work under the direct supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Their responsibilities include vitals signs monitoring such as taking the blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature. They are also trained to prepare and give injections, as well as assist patients in hygiene tasks and bedside care. They also have the opportunity to get a BSN degree once they have finished their basic LPN program. After one finishes an LPN or LVN program, they can practice their career once they pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Training program for LPNs or LVNs usually take 9 months to 1 year. While on training to become a practical or vocational nurse, they must undergo at least two practicum courses and should experience rigorous skills training. Most LPN programs have a curriculum that allow students to learn basic health concepts, expose them to various clinical settings and experience plus provide them with plenty of opportunities for practical skills training. LPN and LVN programs include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations that focus on health issues such as family health, child and maternal, geriatrics and mental health.
A LPN training program includes basic courses that will be discussed briefly below. These courses are designed to give students a good foundation on health concepts and train students to develop basic nursing skills. Here are some of the basic courses offered in an LPN program:
- Practical Nursing I- this is the initial course given for LPN students that introduces students to the fundamental concepts and skills needed for practical nursing. The course includes instructions and skills lab on how to prepare and give medications. Students are also taught about preventive medicine, family wellness plus ethics and legal issues in the medical field.
- Practical Nursing II- this advanced LPN or LVN course now focuses on mental health interventions, plus maternal and childcare training which includes caring for pregnant women and newborn children. LPN trainees are now being exposed to surgical and maternal health units and other specialized centers for hands-on experience.
- Practical Nursing III- this course is now more specialized and focuses on professional development as a LPN and allows students to experience real nursing practice in their various clinical rotations.
- Pharmacology I- this subject prepares LPNs or LVNs for drug administration and therapy by equipping them with basic pharmacologic concept. This course teaches them fundamental LPN skills like dosage computations and IV administration of drugs.
There are various LPN programs that are available in the community college, universities and online training centers. Most LPN and LVN programs allow their graduates to continue to a BSN degree which takes a shorter time to complete than taking a BSN course alone. There are many career opportunities as an LPN or LVN; it is an excellent choice if you want to be part of the thriving health profession.