For example, you might need to have taken high school biology or a set number of math courses. Beyond academics, you might need to fulfill some requirements that will clear you to be present in a clinical setting for your hands-on learning. This often includes:. Your program will let you know what you need. Your costs for an LPN program will depend on the school you choose and the type of program. You might be able to get financial aid and grants to help you pay for school.
Often, these programs will cover the cost of your education if you agree to work for them for a set number of years after you graduate. If you have one of these programs in your area, they can be a great option. Accreditation means your school has met national standards and is giving you the training and education you need to work in the field. Your school needs to be accredited for you to qualify for federal financial aid. Accreditation can also help you later.
Credits from an accredited school are much more likely to transfer to another school or state. That means you can use them if you want to earn a BSN down the road or if you want to transfer your license to another state. For example, an LVN who works in a hospital setting may earn more on average than one who works in home healthcare services. The work environment of an LVN can vary based on the type of healthcare facility in which they work. Here are some common work settings for LVNs:.
LVNs employed at hospitals often care for a diverse range of acutely ill or injured patients. Hospital settings can be fast-paced, particularly in departments such as the emergency room or intensive care unit. In a hospital setting, an LVN may work under a supervising registered nurse or another medical professional. The specific duties LVNs perform can depend on their department.
Many hospitals schedule LVNs to work hour shifts and may schedule them to work some weekends. Nursing homes often provide long-term care for patients. Unlike LVNs working in hospitals where patients stay for short periods of time, LVNs working in nursing homes may develop personal relationships with their patients.
Nursing homes may not be as fast-paced as hospital settings, and LVNs may have more responsibilities regarding decision-making for patient care. A typical nursing home shift lasts eight to 12 hours and may require LVNs to work some weekends. Patients in a rehabilitation facility may have short or mid-length stays, which gives LVNs working in these facilities an opportunity to build relationships with them. In this role, LVNs and RNs often collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to help patients reach their clinical goals for recovery or improved functionality.
The typical shift length may depend on the facility. A rehabilitation unit in a hospital may require LVNs to work hour shifts, while a private clinic may schedule eight-hour shifts. Some LVNs work in private residences as home healthcare practitioners. In these settings, LVNs typically work with patients who have disabilities or critical illnesses.
They may implement treatments, administer medications, educate patients and caregivers and ensure that patients follow their treatment plans at home. A typical shift for an LVN depends on the needs of the patient.
For example, a home care LVN may spend many hours with a patient every day to meet their care needs while their primary caregiver goes to work. In other cases, the home care LVN may make short, routine visits to patients.
To succeed in their roles, LVNs use both technical and interpersonal skills. Here are some skills that can be important for LVNs:. Verbal and written communication skills are important for LVNs since they work as a part of a healthcare team.
LVNs use their communication skills to listen to their patient's needs and advocate for them with other medical professionals. They also use their communication skills to explain diagnoses, treatments and care plans to patients and caregivers, to understand instructions from their supervising medical professionals and to manage patient records. LVNs are responsible for observing their patients' conditions. Programs also often have prerequisites, such as chemistry, anatomy or physiology, and an LVN would be unable to enter the nursing program until completing these.
Other programs have courses called corequisites, which students must complete by a certain point in the RN program. An LVN who completed her original coursework in a community college or university might be able to submit those credits to the RN program to avoid repeating courses, especially if both her LVN and RN program are in the same college and she recently completed the LVN program.
Courses from vocational-technical schools might not be acceptable in a college or university setting. A college might decide the coursework was equivalent and accept it or require the student to repeat some or all courses.
Schools might offer online options for some of the coursework. Bridge programs usually offer associate degrees. The LVN may be required to have a certain amount of experience in vocational nursing before she can apply.
Most programs have prerequisites, and many require or strongly recommend that the LVN complete those prerequisites before she starts.
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