For those looking for a promising career with a positive future job outlook, LPN training is an option that can enable one to enter the field of nursing. An LPN (or Licensed Practicing Nurse) can work in a nursing home, a private residence, a hospital or a psychiatric care ward. With health care being one of the nation's expanding industries, this path is a favorable career path in today's depressed economy. Employment growth in this field is expected to increase twenty percent over the next decade, so it is a great time to enter the field.
Compensation for nurses is modest and hours can be quite variable. Typical salaries range in between thirty and forty thousand annually, but experienced LPNs or those who work plenty of overtime can earn even more. Entry level pay for beginning in the profession is typically in the range of twelve or thirteen dollars an hour, though it may run higher in areas on the East and West coasts where cost of living and wages tend to be a little higher.
Licensed practicing nurses have a wide variety of disparate responsibilities. They may be asked to treat wounds, collect blood samples, feed patients, administer shots and measure vital signs. They may also be required to oversee nurse's assistants and nurse's aides. In some cases, LPNs may work double shifts or graveyard shifts in nursing homes or emergency rooms. Medical jobs require around the clock staffing, so LPNs often have to fill in at irregular hours. For some however, this variability is part of the job's appeal.
People entering the profession should make sure their skills and interests match up with the requirements of the job before beginning a school program. Essential characteristics include an ability for verbal and written communication, a capacity for empathy, and a knack for performing well under pressure. The job can be unpredictable so employees need to prepared for a wide range of possible contingencies in any situation.
There are many options for student's seeking to become LPNs. For those who do not reside near a nursing facility, an online program may be an option. Otherwise, many community colleges and several medical facilities offer accredited nursing programs.
A typical curriculum requires a year of full time investment. Those who cannot take classes full time can opt for part time classes and complete their curriculum in twelve to twenty-four months. Students wishing to pursue a degree in nursing should have at least a high school diploma or be able to provide proof of passing the GED test.
Course work can be conducted in a number of areas. A typical curriculum might include classes in pharmacology, first aid, anatomy, and pediatrics. In addition to core classroom instruction, most programs require practical applications of the topics learned via real experience in a hospital or other care facility.
LPN training helps students get an edge in the current competitive employment marketplace. Moreover, it gives students the skills to embark upon a rewarding career that helps others. Most programs can be completed in a short amount of time and entry level requirements are minimal, so it is a career that most dedicated persons who are interested can try.
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