Training LPN

Not everyone is cut out to be a licensed clinical nurse or LPN. In addition to the educational requirements and licensing exams, it takes a very special person to want to take care of the sick. Not only is it a hard job physically, but it can be hard mentally as well. Do you think you have what it takes? Let's take a look at the requirements and find out.

Education
While educational requirements can vary by state, the basics are very similar. First, you must have either graduated high school or successfully passed your GED class before you can even start. You will need to complete a LPN course that is accredited by your state's Board of Nurses. Most vocational schools and community colleges offer LPN classes, but you might also want to look into the programs offered by a teaching hospital if you are lucky enough to live near one. The areas of study to meet the LPN requirements will include anatomy, biology, chemistry, nutrition, obstetrics, and pediatrics. Before you complete the course, you will also have a period of practical training in the field. In most situations, you will go to a local nursing home or hospital to apply what you have learned. This may give you a real idea of whether or not this is the right career move for you.

Licensing
After you have completed the LPN training program, you will have to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. While the educational requirements may vary from one state to the next, all states require you to pass this exam before you can begin your work as an LPN.

Unofficial Requirements
After you've completed the LPN course and passed your exam, you are legally able to work as an LPN. However, there is more to this job than just meeting those LPN requirements. Nursing is a very physical job. Your duties will require you to stand on your feet for most of the day, and you will also spend a lot of time supporting and lifting patients who aren’t well enough to perform those tasks by themselves. The mental requirements may be even more stringent. You will be dealing with instructions from both doctors and other nurses while also trying to meet your patient’s demands. Some patients will be cooperative, but others may be argumentative or even combative. During all of the chaos, you will still have to make sure that all instructions are carried out to the letter; someone's life could very well depend on it. The ability to remain calm under pressure is just as important as becoming a certified LPN.