Earn Your LPN Degree Online
Did you know that the health care facilities in the United States are in dire need of nursing staff? About nine out of every ten nursing homes requires specialized nurses on their panel. In fact, the nursing is one of the top-five fasted growing professions in the country! This could be your opportunity… your key to making your share of difference in the world.
Welcome to ActOnline.ws!!! This website is currently under construction, but if you will return back to it later, you will find it to be one of the most comprehensive banks of information available on the World Wide Web about earning LPN degrees online. The website will contain everything from basic information about online LPN degrees and programs, to up-to-date facts about your future prospects with an LPN degree.
LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
Are you still unsure about what an LPN is? LPN is an acronym for Licensed Practical Nurse. This is similar to the LVN or Licensed Vocational Nurse, as addressed in California and Texas.
Online LPN Degree Programs
While interested students have the option to enroll in the programs offered by local community colleges, high schools, hospitals or vocational technical schools, they can also gain their LPN degrees through programs available online.
Students will begin by studying basic courses in biology and chemistry which will help build the ground for courses of a more advanced level. By the completion of their degree, they would have studied anatomy, psychological sciences, emergency medical care, first aid, physical education, food and nutrition, child growth and development and similar courses. They will also have practiced patient care during some supervised clinical experience.
An online LPN degree is a good idea, since it provides a student with flexible hours and the option of studying while on job, or while traveling. Students study the same courses, and have to read text material, submit assignments, and fill out mandatory paperwork etc. in a similar fashion to the students in a regular program. Video conferencing, online lectures, email discussions, chat rooms may the experience more enriching. Students may, however, have to coordinate with a local hospital or medical facility for their practical training, as per the online university guidelines.
Online LPN Schools
Several schools and colleges offer online programs that will help you obtain a LPN Degree, even an MSN degree. You are however suggested to check their status of accreditation by the state's Board of Nursing, as well as make sufficient enquiries about their fee structure, program, availability of financial assistance, particular details about clinical/practical experience etc.
For further information about a particular online LPN Degree program, you may like to consider the following online schools or universities:
- Indiana State University
- University of Phoenix
- Kaplan University
Requirements for LPN
The basic requirement for enrollment into an LPN degree program is a high school diploma or equivalent. Successful completion of a practical nursing program, usually one-year long, is the next step towards subsequent certification as an LPN. Such a program (do ensure that the program you are opting for is accredited by the state's Board of Nursing!) provides not just with text book knowledge but also work experience in the relevant field. While most community colleges offer this training, increasing number of high schools are offering it as part of a degree program. Some vocational technical schools and hospitals also have accredited LPN programs. Following the end of this course and training, the students have to take the National Council Licensure Exam, or the NCLEX-PN. As a final step, the state licensing exam must then be passed.
In order to be efficient in a job situation as an LPN, good communication skills are an important advantage. The ability to work under the guidance and supervision of a doctor or a registered nurse is also imperative. Want to read more about LPN Requirements? Click here
Difference between LPN and RN
A RN is a Registered Nurse, who supervises over a LPN, or a Licensed Practical Nurse. The former gains this advantage because of the extent, both on the breadth and the depth of their formal study. Training for a RN program, takes about 2 to 4 years which is more than the time taken for a LPN.
A LPN program is more skill based, while the RN degree has more theory, and attempt to inculcate in the student the ability to be successful in a managerial and leadership position. Thus, RNs are many times without any direct interaction with patients, but simply have behind-the-desks jobs. Some RNs work with insurance companies, and help to determine how much medical care a patient requires, as well as how much of a claim must the company pay. RNs may also facilitate in community health programs.
Due to the scope and the length of the training, a RN program, costs much more, compared to LPN program. While the LPN program has the basic pre-requisite of a high school diploma, RN programs demand a minimum of 2.0 grade point average and/or an ACT or SAT score (these specifications vary from program to program, so ascertain which is most suitable for your qualifications. In some cases, extracurricular activities during high school are also considered for enrollment.
Further, several programs come under the RN category, including a two year associate degree (ADN degree), or a three year diploma. Bachelor of Science in Nursing or the BSN is a four year program, which also leads to recognition as a RN. Some LPNs opt for the LPN to BSN program, and thus become RNs, so as to enhance their learning and qualifications. This is often a good idea, since RNs of less experience usually earn more than LPNs, though this is has no bearing on the capabilities of either one as a nurse.
LPN to BSN
The LPN to BSN degree program is intended for those LPNs who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). Successful completion of an LPN degree and cognizance with the practical applications of their degree is required. Ideally, they will also have been able to develop their knowledge into skills as an LPN, through clinical experience.
While fulltime enrollment is mostly a ready option, some LPNs prefer to take the BSN degree while they are working in the field. This allows them to apply their knowledge in practical situations as they learn it, and helps them make the right choices about specialization.
The BSN degree program is a step further from an LPN degree. It thus delves deeper into professional foundations and health assessment, while also allowing students to study more specialized courses like pathology, statistics, leadership, resource management, nursing situation analysis, research into informatics, etc. Read More
LPN Duties
LPNs are required to provide basic bedside care to the sick, injured, handicapped and particularly those patients who need such assistance during periods of prolonged recovery. They do so under the guidance and supervision of doctors and registered nurses.
LPNs mostly interact with patients directly. Some of the tasks that they may have to perform are very basic, like tending to patient calls, keeping tabs of vital signs, feeding patients, maintaining the medical records and documentation in order, etc. Other tasks are however more rigorous. LPNs may be responsible for giving injections, changing the dressing of wounds and bedsores, administering medicines, observing medical reactions to medicines, performing basic diagnostic tests. In some states, LPNs are allowed to set up IVs (Intravenous medications).
Some medical facilities may ask LPNs to set up procedure rooms. They are thus, responsible for handling oxygen machines, catheters, as well as ordering medical supplies and ensuring proper maintenance of the medical facilities. Under circumstances, experienced LPNs may even assist with or supervise the training of those new to the field.
LPNs come to interact with a wide range of patients, who require a wide spectrum of medical assistance. They deal with newborns, infants, children, young and the old. They may work with psychiatric patients, or in the labor room. Consequently, some LPNs choose to specialize; they can do so in any of several areas, for example, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics or psychiatry. Want to read more about LPN Duties? Click here
Accreditation of LPN Programs
The decision to pursue a career in nursing is just the first step. Once you choose to pursue an online nursing program it is best if you gather knowledge about its accreditation. Each state follows a different nursing policy so it is extremely important that you keep a rough idea of the states that you might be practicing in. if you end up in a program that the state does not recognize you might have to put in up to an extra years effort just to get a practicing license. The extra effort you put it to be certain of accreditation is worth its weight in gold. Read More
Career Options for LPN
LPNs can choose to work in several different types of health care facilities. Hospitals and nursing homes are the usual choices, but mental health institutions, private homes, community health clinics, and public departments also have job openings for LPNs.
LPN Salaries
On the basis of their responsibilities and where they work (i.e. whether they work in hospitals, private medical centers, or nursing homes), LPNs are generally known to earn in the wage bracket of 30 thousand to 40 thousand dollars annually. Some LPNs have even higher salaries.