Licensed practical nurses provide basic bedside care and support to people who are injured, sick, convalescent, or disabled. They measure and record vital signs, tend to wounds and minor injuries, and assist with activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. Some LPNs also give injections, administer medication, perform placement of catheters, and manage intravenous drips and other complex medical equipment.
LPN programs prepare students with theoretical, clinical, and practical nursing knowledge to perform basic nursing tasks as licensed practical nurses. LPN programs generally include introductory courses in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, medical terminology, patient care, nursing process, and patient assessment. They are offered by community colleges or vocational-technical schools and are typically one year in length, culminating in a practical nursing diploma or certificate.
I’ve just received my LPN license, and I’m feeling great about my training! I attended a state college and spent most of the 12-month program in a hospital setting. My GPA when I started was 2.85, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to enter an RN program. I’m 28 years old now, and I hope to bridge to an RN program next year.
Student enrollment in online classes has increased exponentially over the past ten years as technology has improved and the popularity of distance learning has grown. Online LPN programs offer a flexible alternative to traditional classroom-based instruction and allow working adults to complete their education while working and meeting other obligations.
Many accredited nursing programs offer courses in blended or hybrid formats that combine virtual or simulated classroom instruction with traditional, face-to-face clinical training. This approach is ideal for students seeking LPN certification, as it allows them to complete most of their academic coursework online while still gaining the hands-on clinical experience required to sit for the NCLEX PN exam.
Practical nursing programs feature a robust curriculum delivered in an intense and fast-paced format. The goal is to provide students with a targeted nursing education that addresses the various anatomical systems, medical conditions, and patient care needs they will encounter in their professional nursing careers.
The curriculum of a practical nursing program will include content in the following focus areas:
Pathophysiology is the study of how disease causes biological and physical abnormalities in the body. In many ways, the pathophysiology is considered the foundation of practice for nurses. It helps explain the scientific basis behind patients’ symptoms and helps outline a nurse’s primary responsibilities.
A practical nursing program will teach students how to recognize physiological changes that occur due to common disorders and assist in the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. They also learn how to communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding how the patient’s condition is evolving.
Nursing assessment involves collecting and evaluating information about a patient’s current and future care needs and the documentation and communication of the information collected to significant others and healthcare team members.
In a practical nursing program, LPN students will learn how to incorporate evidence-based practice and apply critical thinking skills during the nursing process to develop and guide a plan of care. This approach to patient care helps a licensed practical nurse (LPN) tailor interventions and care to each patient’s unique needs.
Infection control and prevention is one of the first topics covered in a nursing program as it is essential to the safety of both patients and workers in all health professions. Nurses who provide bedside care can positively impact patient outcomes and infection control with basic strategies and best practices that halt the spread of viruses, bacteria, and infectious diseases.
LPN students will learn about standard precautions for nursing care, including proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, proper handling of equipment, disinfection and sterilization guidelines, and response protocols after exposure to infectious material.
Nursing theory helps define and guide nursing care and provides a foundation for decision-making in clinical settings. Health care practitioners and researchers use it to explain the purpose of the nursing profession, categorize the role of nurses, and provide frameworks for nursing interventions. LPN classes help nurses better understand the reasoning behind their actions, the effects of their interventions on patients, and how to apply nursing theories to improve patient outcomes.
Proper nutrition and food hygiene play a significant role in disease prevention and the ongoing good health of vulnerable patients at increased risk for developing health problems. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infection and chronic disease.
A licensed practical nurse must understand the importance of nutrition basics and be able to pass their knowledge about healthy food choices to their patients. This is especially important for patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Patients in nursing homes, acute care, or long term care settings may require special attention to their dietary needs.
LPN to RN programs are designed for LPNs who want to transition to a higher level of nursing practice by earning an RN degree. As the name suggests, a “bridge” program allows students to transfer college credits between two post-secondary programs that require different amounts of education and training to complete. This enables LPNs to build on their existing knowledge and experience without repeating courses or starting from scratch.
For example, an LPN to RN program may award transfer credits for prior general education courses such as English, math, anatomy, biology, and physiology. Similarly, advanced standing credit may be given for LPN-level coursework in medical terminology, pharmacology, and other topics related to nursing care. This can significantly reduce the time and money required to complete an RN program.
LPN to ADN bridge programs can be completed in as little as 15 months of full-time study, rather than the usual two years needed to earn an ADN degree. Graduates of this program earn an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing and are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam, leading to licensure as a registered nurse.
LPN to BSN programs are designed to broaden your clinical judgment and ability to deliver quality care. Graduates of this program earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and can take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses, leading to licensure as an RN.
Many bridge programs allow students to test out of specific courses if they already know the material by taking exams that measure their knowledge in particular areas. For example, some clinical practicum requirements are often waived for students with nursing experience that is equivalent to the specific course. LPN to BSN programs often utilize this method to give students a faster, more efficient way to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Additional Resources
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) employed in the United States earns an average annual salary of $ 51,850. While this number may seem low compared to registered nurses and other professionals in the healthcare industry, the pay is still significant for a job with relatively few requirements for education and training.
As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services will continue to grow. This, combined with the fact that many current LPNs are nearing retirement age, means that there will be an increasing need for practical nurses in the coming years.