Training LPN

LPN certification, or licensed practical nurse certification, is a nursing certification that generally takes one year to complete. LPNs work with physicians and registered nurses to effectively take care of hospital patients and those residing in convalescent homes. Licensed practical nurses are responsible for dressing wounds, answering patient questions, checking patient's vitals, collecting testing samples from patients, and performing laboratory tests on such samples.

The ideal LPN is one that enjoys working with people, is continually compassionate, and enjoys working within a changing environment. On the job, no two days of an LPN's career is the same. While this may be stressful for some, those truly cut out for life as an LPN will thrive off of the energy and changing responsibilities that are part of the job description.

What Does LPN Certification Entail?

To become an LPN, one must complete a training program at a suitable community college or vocational school. Once a potential LPN has completed the required training program, he or she may then begin to prepare for the NCLEX-PN, or LPN licensing exam. To prepare for this exam, it may be a good idea for students to enroll in a review course. Most review courses are anywhere from eight to fifteen weeks long and can greatly help a student prepare for the NCLEX-PN. If a student finds it inconvenient to enroll in a review course, an exam review may be obtained through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The LPN licensing exam is a rather difficult exam and must be passed with a .42 out of a perfect .50. In addition to being difficult, the NCLEX-PN costs students approximately $200.00, which is not refundable if the student were to fail the exam.

Life After LPN Certification

Once a student has passed the NCLEX-PN, he or she has then earned their LPN certification and may then practice as an LPN. LPNs can generally expect to find employment in a hospital or convalescent home. While many jobs are becoming scarce, the LPN position is expected to continue growing as the need for health care is always present. Not only can future LPNs expect to find employment, they may expect to be compensated quite nicely. On average, LPNs are currently earning around $36,500 a year. Therefore, a career as an LPN is not only a good choice for those interested in entering the health care field, but is a choice that can help students secure a bright future in a respectable career.