A licensed practical nurse is a professional with the knowledge and skills to help patients care for themselves, like hygiene and mobility. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse and can seek employment in various settings. While most LPNs are comfortable working at elder care facilities, an LPN degree can land you a job in schools, hospitals, clinics, and even theme parks! Read on to find out!
What Are The Classes In A LPN degree?
Your Practical Nursing Program contains the following courses:
- Introduction to nursing
This incorporates the foundation courses of nursing. It provides an overview of what to expect and your role in the healthcare community.
- Science courses
These include anatomy, human growth and development, physiology, and nutrition. These courses help you learn about various work settings.
- Nursing skills courses
This covers your job duties and responsibilities like how to record information and assess your patients.
- Patient care classes
These ensure you give your patients quality care and include learning to communicate with your patients and assisting them on matters to do with hygiene, mobility, etc.
- Population and specialty courses
They equip you to work in varying settings. This includes tending to geriatric and pediatric patients and handling special cases like rehabilitation centers and emergency units.
What Are LPN Job Opportunities?
LPN nursing programs cast a wide net for job opportunities in different settings below.
- Hospice
This is where practical nurses perform end-of-life care for patients, which is quite challenging. It may be ideal for those who can offer comfort to seriously ill patients and their loved ones. If you are an LPN, you can work in hospice-only facilities or hospice areas in elder care facilities.
- Office of a doctor
A lot of credit goes to the doctor, and they truly deserve it. But an LPN always helps out with patients. They can administer medications, take vitals, and help the doctor carry out tests. Why would LPNs choose such a setting? It allows you to work with a doctor specializing in a field you are passionate about, and the schedule is consistent.
- Forensic nursing
When crimes take place, there is always a victim. An LPN nurse can treat and evaluate the victim’s body. They collect evidence from the body, document injuries, and can help a coroner during the investigation. If you’re interested in criminal justice or victim advocacy, this would be fitting.
- Insurance companies
Insurance firms also need medical staff to be in check with their medical records. In most cases, such firms will employ LPNs to help claim adjusters decide on health insurance policies and worker’s compensation insurance claims.
Theme parks
Although the park is known for its ultimate fun, parents can feel safe with their children if an LPN is around to treat the injured. While the care needs are not usually extensive, it guarantees proper care for injuries and greater chances of recovery due to the availability of a first aid station.
Schools
Ailments and injuries have respect for none, and the school setting is no exception. Still, an LPN’s job comes down to assessing if a student is well enough to resume class or if they should seek further medical assistance. In such a setting, you will dress minor wounds and treat less-serious issues.
Steps To Be An LPN
- Find a credible institution to enroll in the program
- Take up your NCLEX-PN examinations
- Start working as an LPN!
An LPN degree can enable you to work in diverse job settings other than the usual elderly care facilities. Generally, these programs last approximately a year, with seven months and 24 months being possibilities based on the institution and course. Be sure to pursue your LPN degree in a certified institution like Florida International College.