Should I become a LPN ?
475247
Yes!  You will always be able to find a job. \n\nBut, please realize that you do hold other peoples lives in your hands as a nurse.  It is a big responsibility and very stressful at times. The failures are devastating, but the victories are wonderful!! Be prepared for a very emotional ride!  \n\nI was a LPN for 12 years, and have finally made my way back to school and became a RN!  I love being a nurse... the world needs more good nurses, so if it is something you think you would like, then go for it!!!!\n\n:)
412241
hi. ive been a nurse almost 20 yrs, i started as an LPN, and finally went back for my RN a few years later...\nthere are so many places you can work as a nurse, dont limit yourself.\none thing that you can do, since you are not licensed yet is try nursing homes, even as a nursing assistant you need to be certified, and some have their own cert/training program.  however, as a dialysis nurse for many years in the state of florida, i know that you can work as a tech in dialysis without needing certification, this will give you good experience in the medical field, get your foot in the door, and youmay even like it as a NURSE. ( i sure do)\njust be persistent. and look good, and professional at your interviews!\nGood Luck to you in nursing....its truly the Lord's work you'll be doing.\nGod Bless.
182294
Yes\n\nOne reason is their program is accredited, a process which requires high standards. They also have a transition program from LPN to RN that can come in handy later/\n\nLooking over their program, I can see it is challenging and will equip you with the skills needed to succeed.
317852
I am almost sure you cannot do that anymore.It used to be called "grandfathering"  But all is not lost.You clinical skills should help you in a nursing program.Why not go for R.N. LPNs are not as well trained as R.N.'s and they are supposed to function under the direction of an R.N. but believe me they don't.They aren't as respected in the medical community either.
844256
Depend on the state you are working in.  Here in Florida  an LPN earn somewhere between $7.00-12 dollar the hour and an RN is much higher is like  23 and up.
1135860
Do you want to become an LPN? There are no online degree programs in the US that will let you become an LPN "from scratch" online. There's too much hands-on information you have to have. You can do most, if not all of your Gen Ed portion online or by testing out with CLEP or DSST exams.  If you are already licensed as an LPN, Excelsior College has the only LPN to RN program available online. You do have to go to a location for the clinical testing, but they have several locations in the US and it only takes a weekend.
323304
I am in the same boat. I  did know of a school but can't remeber the name, but you pretty much had to be a LPN to go into nursing, and it also depends on the state you live in due to licencses policy. However, I suggest you take all prerequisites  check you local community college for online, or distance learning courses first then do clinicals when you are able to make the time.Try typing in RN training online see what happens! Good Luck.
1003752
Well I am not sure what you are looking for. I will tell you that an LPN is an important part of the nursing team. They help care for patients, give some medications, and in some cases may even start iv's.As far as telling you what has happened with that role the last 50 years I am afraid I don't have that information in front of me. Hope this was helpful.
137691
I am currently in school 2 become a RN I ahve just graduated as a Phleboomist and work as A residental asst. I am school 2 become a nurse bEcause. I am sensity at helping others. I had a nurse beside my sons bed as he died a nurse 2 help me delivery him n no doubt a nurse 2 c me out So 2 answer 2 help others n it pays good n i know i will go 2 work n know i help another n love what i do
402619
You can become a LPN or LVN at a community college.  I think it requires a 1 year certificate now in all states.  RN need 2 year for diploma, and 4 year for bachelors degree.  You can become a CNA (nursing assistant) with training, and you usually do the grimy work that the nurses don't want to do, such as removing soil from patients and feeding.
417916
well it depends on what kinda work you wanna do. Like if you want to be an LPN, i would suggest becoming a CNA, then you could experience working under an LPN in a nursing home or hospital. Thats what i did and having that kinda experience makes it look good when you go to collage to become an LPN or RN and is actually required to get into a nursing program in most places.. Plus its nice to add that to your resume..
359973
Advanced Practice Nurses.. Reaad on, i have a lot of info :)\n\nLicensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas. These individuals usually have eighteen months to two years of training in anatomy and physiology, medications, and practical patient care. They must pass state or national boards and renew their license periodically.\n\nLPNs can perform simple as well as complex medical procedures but must operate under the supervision of either a Registered Nurse or a physician. They can administer most medications (usually with the exception of IV push medications), perform measurements (blood pressure, temperature, etc.), keep records, perform CPR, maintain sterile and isolation conditions, and administer basic care.\n\nLPNs are often found working under the supervision of physicians in clinics. In long term care facilities, they sometimes supervise nursing assistants and orderlies.\n\nThe Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were about 700,000(1) persons employed as Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses in the U.S. in 2004.\n\nRegistered Nurses (RNs) are professional nurses who often supervise the tasks performed by LPNs, orderlies and nursing assistants. They provide direct care and make decisions regarding plans of care for individuals and groups of healthy, ill and injured people. They have a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelors Degree in Nursing at entry level, and after passing state board examininations are granted the title Registered Nurse. Regardless of degree, RNs have many hours of clinical experience before they are graduated.\n\nRNs are the largest group of healthcare workers in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were about 2.3 million (1) persons employed as Registered Nurses in the U.S. in 2004.\n\nResearch has shown that RNs are the first-line defense of hospitalized patients against disability or death from infection, cardiopulmonary arrest, and other serious complications. Higher ratios of registered nurses to patients have been shown to decrease certain complications of illness and mortality rates. Registered Nurses are educators, managers, executives, therapists, intensive care experts, symptom managers, professional mentors, researchers and community members. In hospitals, registered nurses perform diverse roles such as writing policies, responding to emergencies, managing professional, technical and ancillary staff, determining budgets, performing strategic planning, and supervising construction projects.\n\nAdvanced practice nurses (APNs) are Registered Nurses with advanced education, knowledge, skills, and scope of practice. APNs possess a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and may also sit for additional certification examinations. APNs may function as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). They perform primary health care, provide mental health services, diagnose and prescribe, carry out research, and educate the public and other professionals. Some APNs diagnose illness and prescribe medication.\n\nAll advanced practice credentials have requirements such as continuing education and periodic re-examination to maintain the credential.\n\nAdvanced Practice Nurses can expect to earn above-average salaries, especially as the population of ages and the demand for highly-skilled healthcare workers grows proportionally.\n\nGood Luck! :)
324317
Try visiting  www.discovernursing.com - you'll find tons of information there on nursing.\n\nDespite prior statements,  you do not need a BS to be an RN.   There are two-year RN programs and RN bridge programs for persons  who have an LPN/LVN.   The push MAY be for RNs to have a bachelor's degree,  but the  reality is that there is such a shortage of nurses  willing to work  in NURSING (yes, nurses work in  fields outside of active nursing),  that states/countries are creating  avenues to bring  in more  nurses quickly.\n\nWhat you can do with a nursing certificate/degree will depend upon the state/country you live in.  Generically, you could go back and do a 1 year nursing certificate program and become an LPN/LVN.  Or, you could pick up the sciences and other pre-reqs you need and complete a 2nd associates--the outcome could be an LPN/LVN or an RN depending upon the school/program you enter into.  Or, you could transfer to a university and pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.
166710
To become an LPN one generally attends a community college program.  I believe the degre program is two years.  you might get credit from your experience.  You will need to look in your area as you didn't provide it in your question.
310848
I'm an x-ray technologist and I know what you mean about liking the medical field. You can get an LVN certificate in 1 year but the money isn't that great. My advice is go to a junior college and get a 2 year degree in nursing and become an RN. The job description is good and the money is great!! Look into it!! You won't be sorry! And don't care about what people say. It's your life right?! Good luck!!
427873
The aging of the baby boom should mean that all sectors of the health care industry should do well.  You asked about three specific branches.\n\nNursing is a reasonable choice, if you see the whole picture.  You can complete the entry-level nursing program in 1 year (this leads to a Licenced Vocational Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse certificate.)  The next step up, and where you really should focus your energy, is the Registered Nurse level.  For most RNs, it takes a year of prerequisites and two years of nursing courses at a community college to get the degree.  From there, you can do another two years and get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and aspire to nursing leadership positions.  Graduate level nursing degrees include Nurse Practitioner which allows you to do most of the things a family practice doctor does or getting your Master of Science in Nursing and teaching Nursing (a particularly in-demand field right now.)\n\nNursing is an extremely cyclical profession though.  Because a majority of nurses are women (yes, there are many men entering the field, but the numbers don't lie), there are a significant number of nurses out of the profession at any given time (raising families etc.)  As long as the economy is good and their significant other (read: husbands) are making good money, the nurses can stay out of the workforce.  But when the economy turns sour, many of these nurses go back to work and the market tightens.  \n\nOne more thing -- my cousin is a hospital pharmacist and she loves it.  She was able to get into pharmacy school with only 2 years of college under her belt.  Then she went to Midwestern's 3-year pharm.d. program in Glendale, AZ.  Heck, she was almost able to perscribe medicine before she was old enough to drink!  She makes about $90k, works regular hours and has call two times a month.  She is also a top professional (unlike nurses who report to doctors) in her own right.  If she wanted to work retail (which she is adament that she doesn't), she could pull in $120k.)
1061259
I will try to answer this question, but remember, I have only recently finished nursing school and will sit for boards next week.\n\nNursing is a committment. It is one that will make you give more of yourself than you ever knew you could. There are good days and bad days. It is so much more than dealing with sick people. You have the ability to actually make a difference in someones life. As a nurse you have the opportunity to play a role in the most vulnerable moments in people's lives. You can educate people on healt promotion, you could give patients support when they feel afraid or unsure about what's really going on. In nursing you will laugh and you will cry, but at the end of the day you will feel like you did meaningful work. You will be tired, but it is so rewarding.\n\nSchool is going to be challenging. It will be almost like working as a nurse, but you can step back and say let me get your nurse for you. That is until you last clinical rotation. In that moment, you are the nurse. Studying will take on a whole new meaning. And clinicals will be the moment that you get to practice being a nurse, with supervision of course.\n\nAs far as working, you will meet all types of nurses on the floor, some who were born to be nurses and others who are burnt out. Alot of it all depends on how you approach things. And don't let that discourage you. Nurses can work in all different areas. It is not just a blood and guts profession. Some nurses even get to work in regular clothes. You would be surprised the things that nurses do.\n\nI love being a nurse and I am sure that you will love it too. My best recommendation is to try a job as a patient care tech in a local hospital or nursing home and see how you do. Also check out the discover nursing website. Go for it! Get your bachelors.\n\nhttp://www.discovernursing.com/