Basic nursing care can be provided in a variety of settings if you become a licensed Vocational Nurse.In some states, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses to care for patients in hospitals, clinics, home care situations and long-term care facilities.There are a few steps you can take right now to become an LVN.
Step 1: You need to get a high school or GED.
Some states have different requirements for entry into the LPN program.Most programs will require that you be at least 18 years old and have a high school degree, such as a GED.In high school, take English, biology, algebra, chemistry, and other math and science courses.You will be prepared for nursing school by taking these classes.The completion of high school courses and the understanding of the material they cover will prepare you for the entrance exam that some programs will ask you to take.
Step 2: You should be exposed to the medical profession.
An environment that is unique to the world of medicine is what determines the atmosphere you will be working in as a nurse.Try to get an entry-level job at a hospital, nursing home, or doctor's office in order to gain some exposure to the medical environment.It will strengthen your application to any training program you wish to enroll in if you become comfortable with these environments.
Step 3: There should be a letter of recommendation in the program applications.
Some programs will ask you to write a letter of recommendation if you get along with one of your teachers.Inform whoever is writing your letter about your experiences and interests that have relevance to the medical field, let them know what types of programs you will be applying for, and tell them you may use their letter in more than one application.
Step 4: You should be familiar with the details of the training programs.
There are different types of LVN programs.To ensure you are adequately prepared for the profession, each will address certain common criteria.You will be required to take courses on basic nursing practice, ethics and legality of nursing, and geriatric nursing.You should be aware that many programs will offer additional courses on surgical nursing and other types of nursing.If you want to increase your chances of being hired, you should take some of these courses.Look for programs that give practical training.
Step 5: Make sure that the programs you are considering are accredited.
Make sure to choose a program that is accredited.This applies to all programs.Make sure the program you are considering has been approved by the commission.You will be prepared for the licensing process if you complete an accredited program.In order for a program to be accredited, it must stay up to date with state and national requirements.
Step 6: Avoid programs that aren't accredited.
Non-accredited programs will make it difficult for you to progress into higher ranks of the nursing profession, if you intend to work in other states.Your program will likely be recognized by other accredited schools if you decide to earn further degrees, as accreditation increases the likelihood that you will become licensed in other states.The nursing board in your state will approve programs that allow students to proceed with the licensing process.National accreditation is not necessarily indicated by a state's nursing board approval.
Step 7: You can choose a certificate or degree program.
If you don't want to pursue a higher level of education in the future, one of these options will suffice.Everything you need to be a successful LVN is covered in coursework.Online courses are offered by many of these programs.Credit earned in these programs won't transfer to programs that offer more advanced degrees.The program usually lasts about one year.The cost is likely to be a few thousand dollars.The completion of these programs will allow you to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
Step 8: You should get an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing.
Obtaining a degree, including an associate's degree from a community college, will give you more career flexibility as you gain experience and knowledge in the nursing field.More in-depth coverage of specific topics, additional courses, and even more opportunities for hands-on experience are likely to be offered by degree programs.If you want to become an RN later in your career, you should consider choosing a degree program that prepares you for that career path.Associate degrees at community colleges can be quite affordable, but on-campus degree programs are more expensive.
Step 9: There are licensing requirements for the LVN.
You need to take the National Council Licensure Examination.The requirements and application process for this exam vary from state to state.To get a nursing license that will allow you to take the NCLEX-PN, you need to find out what state you hope to work in.Prepare for the exam with a study schedule and a state-specific study guide.Prepare for testing in four broad categories, including questions on managing patients' safety and preventing infections, adapting to the medical environment, familiarity with human growth and development, and knowledge of basic care and therapies, as well as disease prevention and detection.
Step 10: You need a nursing license in your state.
You need to apply for a nursing license in your state before taking the national licensing exam.The eligibility criteria for the nursing exam in your state will be provided by the board of nursing.Before you graduate your program, begin the application process.In order to be granted access to the exam, you will need to have your fingerprints taken, as well as acquire a notarial signature.
Step 11: Take the exam.
The fee for the exam is about $200.The test will include anywhere from 85 to 205 multiple choice questions.You can take the exam again after 45 days if you fail it the first time.Some states allow you to work as an LPN after completing your program while you wait for the test to be fully licensed.
Step 12: To take the NCLEX-PN, you have to meet the other criteria.
If you have completed a bachelor's degree program in nursing, you may be able to take the exam and apply for nursing jobs in certain states.Some states consider certain levels of military training to be equivalent to an LVN training.You may be able to take the exam if you have received military medical training.Check with the board of nursing in your state.
Step 13: Accept the responsibility of being an LVN.
You will be tasked with basic, but meaningful medical responsibilities as an LVN, and other people's health will depend on your ability to complete them effectively.You will need to take and record vital signs, administer medication and monitor dosages, provide hygiene assistance, take blood pressure readings, supervise nursing aides, and set up and maintain equipment used to treat people from infancy to old-age.
Step 14: Show that you have what it takes.
To be a successful LVN, you will need to be compassionate about working with sick and injured people and their families.You need excellent communication skills, high stress tolerance, a strong stomach, extreme attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to work as part of a team.Some positions will require a background check to make sure you don't have a history of criminal behavior, and the positions you apply to will be looking for evidence of these characteristics.
Step 15: Apply for jobs as an LVN.
Nursing homes, hospitals, private medical clinics, and individuals in need of home health care are the most likely employers of newly licensed LPNs.If you want to apply for jobs at any of these places, you have to submit your applications accordingly.Your decision about where to apply for a job may be influenced by the expectations of LVNs in each environment.As an LPN in a nursing home, you will be expected to assist physicians, monitor resident care, supervise other nursing staff, perform assessments of residents' health, and explain potential treatment options to residents and family members.At a hospital or clinic, LPNs are usually expected to interview patients and assemble medical histories, record vital signs, administer injections and medications, verify charts, and more.Home health LPNs are expected to work in a patient's home with specific job duties depending on the individual they are caring for.
Step 16: All relevant information should be included in your applications.
Specific information is required for applications for a position as an LPN.All of the information should be included in your application.Personal information.All of your personal and contact information should be included in your job application.Since you're applying for a job in the highly regulated medical profession, be sure to include legal information as well, such as any arrest or conviction history.You have completed or are in the process of completing any education.This should include everything from the high school you attended.There are references and an employment history on the resume.License details and certification.All professional certifications and licenses you've obtained, as well as license numbers, dates issued, and expiration dates, should be included.
Step 17: A cover letter is required for each application.
You should submit a cover letter for each job that you apply for.Explain the reasons for your interest in the position you're applying for, as well as your experience and qualifications, in each letter.