Nine How To Advance Your Lpn Career
Being an LPN is a flexible career path that will allow you to explore different areas of nursing and find your passion. While you might have been drawn to a certain area during school, you might find that once you are on the job, you are inspired by a completely different area of healthcare.
As an LPN, youll have many opportunities to advance your nursing career. Here are just a few:
Can Nursing School Drop You
There are many circumstances that can happen in ones life that can cause them to consider dropping out of nursing school. And then still others drop out of nursing school, only to return a semester or two later. If you are considering withdrawing from the nursing program, here are a few tips to do it successfully.
The Lpn Application Process
After completing the nursing program, the applicant will submit educational verification, using one of two forms. One is for individuals who completed approved nursing programs, the other for those who received equivalent education in the military. The application includes an affidavit that must be notarized. The fee for application and first licensure is $143 a portion of the fee may be refunded under certain conditions.
In addition to applying to New York, the candidate must register for the NCLEX-PN . The candidate will pay a $200 fee when the candidate registers the candidate will receive an ATT once it has been determined that the candidate meets eligibility requirements. This will allow to schedule.
A new graduate can work under a limited permit while the candidate is waiting to take the NCLEX. There is a separate application which may be submitted at the same time as the general licensing application, or at a later stage. to download that application. There is a $35 fee. If the nurse is a recent graduate of an approved New York nursing program, the candidate may accept employment and begin work before receipt of the permit. If the candidate is a graduate of any other program, the candidate must wait until the permit has actually been issued.
Recommended Reading: Nursing Schools In San Fernando Valley
What Are Some Of The Requirements For Challenging The Nclex
If I remember correctly the way my program was structured I needed to have taken and passed:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing 1
Then I had to fill out an exception form.
Get a letter from my nursing school and get a background check done.
And of course, pay some fees.
This will probably vary with your state and not all states or programs will make getting your LPN during nursing school an option.
The best way to be sure is to talk to your nursing program faculty and reach out to your states board of nursing .
Nursing School Interview Process
Some nursing schools require interviews with one or more faculty members as part of their admissions process. While applicants must sometimes travel to campus for this requirement, some programs conduct virtual interviews.
While an interview may seem intimidating, plenty of preparation can help you keep nerves at bay. Although it is impossible to know exactly what questions the interview will include, you can likely expect to answer questions like: “Why did you choose nursing?” or “How would you face a certain challenge?” You may also be asked to describe yourself and your professional goals.
There are other ways to ensure you are prepared for your interview. Arrive early, for example, and dress professionally. Do enough research to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about your prospective program and current trends in the nursing industry.
Don’t Miss: Failed Nursing School Now What
How Do I Enter A Boces Lpn Program
Because of the demand for LPN jobs in New York State, the BOCES LPN programs are popular and often have competitive admission requirements.
Although each district has its own separate admission process, most of the programs have the same standards for eligibility. These standards require that you:
- Complete a Nurse Entrance Exam
This exam assesses your mathematics and verbal skills, including vocabulary and reading comprehension. Prep courses are available in many districts to help you prepare for this exam.
- Possess a High School or GED Diploma
In order to be considered for a BOCES LPN program in New York State, you must submit proof of your high school or GED diploma.
- Be at Least 18 Years Old
The BOCES LPN programs require that you be at least 18 years old, although some programs accept applications from students who are 17 years old.
- Complete an Interview Process
Similar to a job interview, the BOCES LPN interview process consists of several questions designed to help program administrators determine if youre a good candidate for becoming a healthcare professional in New York State.
- Pass a Physical, Medical, and Background Screening
You must pass a physical, medical, and background screening, which includes immunizations, blood work, and a criminal background check.
- Received CPR Certification
About The Nursing Program
Students in the nursing and practical nursing programs at Ivy Tech gain valuable skills and experiences by caring for real patients in a variety of clinical settings including lab simulations. The growing use of simulations in nursing schools allow students to assume roles that are typically unavailable in a clinical setting, allowing students to make critical choices and see the results of those decisions. We use a variety of teaching methods and learning strategies in the classroom, clinical settings, and online to appeal to every learning style. Students can even take some nursing and practical nursing required general education courses online.
Associate of Science in Nursing Program
Once admitted to the program, an Associate of Science in Nursing degree can be achieved in less than two years. The nursing faculty at Ivy Tech provide individualized tutoring and mentoring to help students succeed. Our statewide aggregate pass rates are consistently high, and our nursing graduates are in high demand throughout Indiana. Learn how to apply to Ivy Tech Community College.
The nursing program at Ivy Tech has a selective admissions process. There is a separate application process for nursing and health sciences limited enrollment programs and the programs only accept a limited number of students each year. After applying to Ivy Tech, you will be enrolled in the Pre-Nursing certification program while completing prerequisite course requirements.
Transfer Partners
Our Graduates
You May Like: Texas Second Degree Nursing Programs
Can You Work As An Lpn While In Nursing School
Can you work as an lpn while in nursing school? You must already be an LPN with the correct licensure. In the past, states have allowed RN students to challenge the board and take the NCLEX-PN exam to test for LPN licensure. But, the vast majority of states no longer allow this practice.
Can I work as a nurse while in nursing school? It is possible to work part-time while in nursing school. It is helpful to work in healthcare while in school to expand on your training and clinical time, Cardillo says. Positions such as a nurses aide or patient care tech are ideal. And most healthcare facilities love to hire student nurses in these roles.
Can you be an LPN and RN at the same time? Holding an LPN license and an RN license at the same time is possible, based on basic educational and professional requirements for each role.
Is it smart to become an LPN before RN? Many RN candidates who cannot get into an RN program right away become LPNs in the interim so they can work as a nurse while waiting for acceptance. The benefit is that you get great experience while continuing your nursing education. More education is better, but it doesnt have to be immediate.
Can I Apply My Previous Nursing Or Healthcare Experience Toward Becoming An Rn And/or Earning A Higher Degree
Registered nurses must have at least an Associate Degree in Nursing , but some students decide to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . If youre already working in the medical field, there are multiple pathways to work toward becoming an RN.
Here are two examples:
- Medical Assistant : MAs may be able to apply some of the coursework from their program toward an ADN to shorten the time to graduation.
- Licensed Practical Nurse : Both LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN bridge programs take into account prior education. The main difference is that an ADN can take a year or two, while a BSN will generally take twice that long.
You May Like: Emergency Nurse Practitioner Continuing Education
Can You Get A Nursing Degree Online
Yes. Many schools offer web-based nursing programs, which allow students to complete coursework online. However, distance learners must usually complete a supervised clinical component on location. Most schools let online students perform their clinical work at a healthcare facility in their own town or locality.
Can An Lpn With An Expired License Become A Cna Without Further Training
While a CNA is a level down from an LPN, you might still be required to take CNA training, which is set by federal law, and a certification exam to be placed on your states CNA registry.
If you arent on the registry, nursing homes and Medicare and Medicaid facilities cant hire you, according to Genevieve Gipson, RN, MEd, RNC, and director of the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants and Career Nurse Assistants Programs Inc.
Your state may have a waiver program or make exceptions, however, so check with your board of nursing or state health department to see if it has special requirements for trained LPNs who want to be CNAs.
Read Also: Emerald Nursing School El Paso Tx
Do Nursing Prerequisites Matter
A common question we are often asked by pre-nursing students is . . . Why do I have to take all these classes . . . what do they have to do with nursing?
Before becoming a nurse, I asked myself the same question . . . Why should I care about Chemistry to be a nurse?
Let me give you two reasons why you should focus on your nursing school prerequisites and strive to learn all you can from them.
First of all, you will have a hard time getting into ANY nursing school if you dont do well in the above classes.
One of my pet peeves is hearing nurses tell pre-nursing students that they dont REALLY need to know anything from their prereq courses or that they just need to pass them and forget them . . . or worse yet . . . Cs get degrees.
So lets discuss WHY each of these classes is vital to your career as a nurse.
Ive Requested Information From Some Schools But Havent Heard Back Who Do I Contact
Reach out directly to the nursing programs, if thats an option. A quick phone call usually will yield better results than an email, especially if youre following up with specific questions.
Otherwise, contact the programs admissions departmentand remember, staff is there to help sell you on the school, so get your questions answered!
With professional insight from:
Don’t Miss: Collin County Community College Nursing Program
Can An Rn Student Test Out To Be An Lpn
Registered nurse and licensed practical nurse are two distinct nursing career types. RNs typically must complete more coursework and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs, or the NCLEX-RN. An LPN takes the NCLEX-LPN. State nursing boards oversee licensing rules in each state. In some cases, though, you can take the LPN exam if you have completed one or more years of RN school.
Why Be A Nurse
There are many reasons you may want to become a nurse. Whether you have a family member who is a nurse or you like the pay, it is safe to say that all walks of life congregate in the nursing field.
Not surprisingly, these questions will become a theme throughout your nursing school experience and career. Answers can vary, and there really isnt a wrong answer. The most common reason why someone wants to become a nurse usually results from an encounter with another nurse who has touched their life.
But no matter if you like the medical field or want to feel like you made a difference, the reason is only part of your decision. Considering the nursing school, the prerequisites, the lifestyle, etc., can become overwhelming. NRSNG is here to help break this down for you.
Read Also: Ohio State University Nurse Practitioner
Paying For Nursing School
Paying for nursing school can be challenging for many candidates. While tuition costs remain relatively low for CNA and LPN/LVN students, tuition for undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, there are different opportunities to help learners pay for nursing school. Look for scholarships from your school, professional associations, nonprofit foundations, special interest groups, and other organizations. While you can find scholarship information all over the internet, it may be helpful to start your search right here.
You might also apply for federal grants, or explore work-study options. In addition, many students take out loans from the government, which they must pay back after graduation. Get more information about your federal financial aid opportunities by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
How Hard Is Nursing School Really
Being a nursing major is a little different than other majors. Im not saying the other majors are a walk in the park, but.. nursing school is more like having a baby. Nine months of nausea, vomiting, and sleepless nights culminate into one stressful event, and then, in the end, you wonder why the hell you did it in the first place!
Many college courses consist of exams and papers and maybe a lab or two thrown into the mix. Nursing school consists of many different deadlines and exams to keep straight for each course!
Managing your time is essential to being successful in nursing school. You must be very purposeful with your time including your time off.
Things nursing students have to juggle include:
- Math exams
- Learning about nursing research and understanding evidence-based practice
- Learning how to write in APA format
- Learning medical terminology all while trying to understand the flow and culture of various health care facilities
As you can see, there is a lot to try and keep straight. This is easier for some than others. Some people go into nursing as a second career and have many other life commitments and the aforementioned items.
Others are solely focused on school. Others have some life commitments but are able to focus mainly on nursing. Dealing with all of the demands of nursing school will look different for everyone.
RELATED ARTICLE: Dear Loved Ones of Nursing Students: What it Feels Like Going Through Nursing School
Recommended Reading: Baccalaureate Of Science In Nursing
Get Ready For A Significant Pay Raise
Completing an LPN-to-BSN program may qualify you for higher-paying positions, though factors such as your location, type of employer, and years of experience also affect salaries.
A comparison of average annual salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that RNs can potentially make about 60% more than LPNs.
Occupation
Can I Really Get A Nursing Degree Online
Since nursing is a hands-on profession, even online nursing programs require in-person clinical training with real patients. Programs that combine online learning with real-world practice are called hybrids.
If youre pursuing a bachelors degree and already have a combination of clinical hours and a current RN license, you may be able to find a program that is exclusively online.
Don’t Miss: Arizona State University Online Nursing
Eleven Where Can I Learn More About Lpns
If you still have questions about what it means to be an LPN, what this career path could mean for your future and how to get started, you have a couple of options:
What Should I Look For In A School
Picking a school is not a decision to rushyoull want to feel welcomed, inspired, and that youve gotten the most for your effort and money. Here are a few things to consider:
- Admissions requirements
- Pass rates for the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-LPN nursing exams, required nationwide
- Percentage of recent graduates working in nursing
- Ranking among other state programs
Malone says, besides these factors, look at the faculty. Examine and investigate what youre buying. Look to see what kind of relationships has with the communitythats even bigger than career placement.
If youre looking for a school that recognizes the community and believes in it, youll find those kind of relationships
Also Check: Florida National University Nurse Practitioner Program
Nursingcom Resources For All Learning Styles
To fill the gap in learning styles we have created free resources that address nearly every learning style. While nursing school may still be hard, we are on the mission to make it easier to learn by creating resources that match your needs:
Here are a few of our resources :
It is important to focus on mental and physical health while in nursing school. You can take the time to walk on the treadmill while doing flashcards. You can study with a partner while lifting weights. You can listen to podcasts, lectures, or recorded reading of your textbook while taking a jog.
Pack healthy meals, meal prep, be conscious of your calorie intake. Get a friend to do this with.
Make it a priority because gaining weight is too easy, and you will be fighting to lose the weight afterward for a while .