If you care about people and want a job that makes a difference but doesn’t require many years of training, then a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may be just right for you. As a practical nurse, you provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. To become an LPN, you must first complete a 12-month practical nursing course at college. As part of your training, you’ll be required to perform a clinical rotation and complete a minimum number of practical training hours in a clinical environment.
Practical Nursing Jobs
As a practical nurse, you’ll work with patients in a clinical or hospital setting. Your responsibilities will include:
- Patient data. Collect and record patient data and symptoms.
- Take vitals. Check patients’ blood pressure, pulse and temperature.
- Medications. Properly administer medications orally and injections as prescribed by the attending physician, while monitoring for side effects.
- Wound care. Apply topical medications, bandages and other wound treatments.
- Medical procedures. Prepare patients for procedures and assist during the procedure as directed by an RN or doctor.
- Patient care. Help feed, bathe and dress patients and perform intake and output monitoring to make certain patients remain hydrated.
- Collect laboratory samples. Collect blood and stool samples as requested by a physician.
Practical Nurse Training
The practical nursing program at Caris College, is an accelerated, full-time course that lasts 12 months. The program includes a mix of daily lectures, studies, and clinical training.
You’ll study foundational subjects like anatomy, physiology, psychology and pharmacology. There are also courses in specialties such as pediatrics, surgery and obstetrics. After class, you need to allocate time to study and complete assignments. Additionally, you’ll have to complete more than 506 hours of clinical work. This includes practical training in hospitals, acute inpatient facilities and home healthcare.
To succeed in your studies, you must be disciplined and apply good time management. Our course is intensive, and you must be prepared to spend a lot of time memorizing what you’ve learnt. At the same time, you need to care for your patients and show interest, compassion and empathy, especially for those who are seriously ill.
Make no mistake, this is an accelerated program designed to get you into the nursing workforce faster than alternatives. That means getting through the program requires commitment. However, learning to manage your time and push yourself while still maintaining the compassion and empathy for patients that every great nurse needs will prepare you well for success in the nursing profession.
Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Practical Nurse
Practical Nursing is a fulfilling career where you are in day-to-day contact with your patients. It can also be the first step towards a wider career in nursing. Start your nursing career today by enrolling in a Practical Nursing course at Caris College. Once you’ve completed our accelerated 12-month course and passed the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-PN) licensing exam, you’ll be able to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in most states, including Indiana and Kentucky. Contact us today to speak to an admission advisor.
Key Takeaways
Is becoming a practical nurse difficult?
It requires dedication, strong time management, and a commitment to studying and completing clinical training hours.
What training is required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
Students must complete a 12-month practical nursing program that includes classroom learning, subjects like anatomy and pharmacology, and over 506 hours of clinical training.
What do practical nurses do in their jobs?
Practical nurses provide basic patient care such as checking vital signs, administering medications, assisting with procedures, collecting samples, and helping patients with daily activities like bathing and feeding.