LPN Requirements: What Do You Need to Become an LPN?
When face with the choice of becoming a RN or an LPN, many people opt for the latter. The major consideration, in most cases, is the fact that the course can be completed in as little as a year. This allows you to start earning much sooner than other students who decided to go the full course. You can always go back for further study once you have gained some experience.
The first on the list of LPN requirements is that you have to be in possession of a high school diploma, or a GED. There are some schools, however, that offer vocational training (in collaboration with vocational training centers) to their students, allowing you to learn while still at school. These are, however, exceptions to the rule.
LPN training can be received at vocational centers, community colleges, and technical schools. Although universities mostly reserve their nursing education for those studying to become Registered Nurses, some do offer the LPN diploma course.
LPN requirements include the study of a relatively wide range for subjects. This includes anatomy, physiology, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, and medical-surgical areas of nursing. Along with this there is the aspect of clinical training, where you will be introduced to first aid, administering medication, and basic patient care. This section of the course will typically be completed in a local hospital or nursing home in your area.
The last of the LPN requirements is having to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. It is a requirement in all states, and allows you to start practicing as a licensed practical nurse, or LPN. After you have completed the LPN program, you will be allowed to sit for the exam, as presented by your particular state. Having passed this, you will have fulfilled all requirements in becoming an LPN, or a licensed practical nurse.
Having fulfilled the (legal) requirements will allow you to practice, but it does not make you a good nurse. An LPN, due to the fact that she works directly with patients (more so than other nurses), need to be genuine caring person. Sick and injured people are frequently confused and traumatized, so you have to be emotionally stable to cope with it. The LPN is the first line of care, and deals with all of this directly.
