Major Responsibilities of LPNs

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) monitor the patient, seriously injured, convalescent and handicapped in many different health care settings like hospitals. In some states they are known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).

LPNs/LVNs provide hands-on care to patients under the direction of RNs or medical doctors. LPN prep programs include a year of education at a healthcare facility, vocational-tech school or community college. Once they meet the education, students are then qualified for licensure as an LPN or LVN. Once certified, they are allowed to work at a hospital.

LPNs’ duties are restricted and they also have to work under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Most LPNs deliver standard bedside care. They get vital signs like temperature, blood pressure level, heartbeat and respiration. They also prepare and provide injections, apply dressings, provide alcohol rubs and massage therapy, use ice packs and keep track of catheters.

LPNs monitor patients and document complications or adverse reactions to medicines or treatments. They gather samples for assessment. They also execute routine laboratory tests; give food to patients and fluid intake. They assist patients with bathing, dressing and individual hygiene, they help keep them secure and care for their psychological needs. In states in which the law permits, they may provide prescribed medicines or commence intravenous fluids.

The majority of LPNs in hospitals and nursing homes work for 40-hour week, but due to the fact patients need around-the-clock care, some work nights, holidays and weekends. They frequently stand for very long periods and assist patients to move in bed, stand or stroll. Their job is physically and mentally demanding but may open doors for career development and satisfaction.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in an Online LPN Class

What you know may not be enough to get you through getting an online LPN course. This will help you figure out questions that you did not ask during the path of practical nursing application. For one to get the appropriate answers, one must ask the right questions. That concept is applicable when seeking for an online LPN class. Below are some of the most significant questions that you must consider.

Which is less expensive, a regular LPN course or an online LPN program? If you would compare costs in terms of college tuition, an online and a regular LPN programs is actually just the same. On the other hand, the reason why online LPN is considered less expensive is because you can undoubtedly save from housing and travelling costs and you can easily obtain an entire material on the internet from the college’s website, which considerably reduce your costs with purchasing books.

online-lpn-programsWhat are the courses that are usually trained in these programs? Online courses have the same objective as regular courses. The main objective would be on providing and preparing learners on nursing values, advanced skills on patient care and different necessary practical nursing procedures within a medical care setting. Majority of programs have courses like first aid, dose computation, medical terminology, documentation and obstetrics.

What are the different requirements for the online course? Like its campus-based equivalent, on the internet LPN courses need you to complete secondary school. Most online schools require a CGPA that is usually between 2.0 – 2.5. The programs should be cleared with no less than an ACT of 18 and a minimum grade of C+. There are also nursing schools that need completing courses like anatomy and physiology which is a basic requirement of an LPN program.

Where should I look for online LPN classes? You would be able to look for online LPN classes at different organizations that offer not-so-distant quality learning services. You can surf through the internet and check if there are medical or nursing schools offering online LPN classes within or near your area.