LPN or LVNs are “nurses that are licensed by the state to provide routine patient care”. An LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse which is essentially the same thing as a LVN (a Licensed Vocational Nurse). They are the same exact thing except for they are called LVN’s in the states of Texas and California.
Where do LVN/LPN’s Work?
Typically LVN/LPNs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospice type home settings, doctor’s offices and surgical centers. Long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and or hospice companies allow LVN/LPNs to earn a higher income as they are in higher demand.
How Much Does the LPN/LVN Program Costs?
Many medical training schools offer LVN/LPN programs as well as some community colleges also offer those programs. The prices for the programs vary depending on where you attend. Medical training schools are typically more expensive, and of course community colleges are usually the least expensive. The average costs for medical training schools can range from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on where you live and the popularity of the city you are attending the program in. Take places such as California, do your research first, it maybe be cheaper to drive a few more miles out of city limits in order to save a whopping $15k. You can certainly pay a much lower amount at a community college; their tuition and fees usually total to $4,000 or less.
How do you Begin Your LVN/LPN Training?
In order to be accepted into a LVN or LPN program you must have a high school diploma or GED. You also have to pass a standardized entrance test. The test will include math, reading comprehension, problem solving, and logical thinking. If you think you might have difficulty passing the test, there are practice tests available designed specifically to help one prepare for the LVN/LPN entrance test. Look online for practice tests, and see what your weakness is and then study from there. If you’re incredibly smart, the test may not be an issue at all.
Medical training schools programs can be completed in the least amount of time and they do not usually require pre-requisite courses such as medical terminology and anatomy and physiology. However, you will be required to take those courses, but it will not be until after you begin your schooling in their program.
What Duties can LPNs Perform?
LVN/LPNs can pretty much perform all duties that an RN can. Of course there is about a 3 year difference in the length of schooling, which is a definite plus! Duties like IV (intravenous) insertions do require IV certification training and also they must always be supervised by physician or RN. As a LVN, LPN you also be able to draw blood, take blood pressure, give injections, and perform tests such as EKGs, take the patients height and weight, obtain the patient’s medical history, assist the physicians with certain exams or procedures and so much more.
How Much Does an LPN Make?
You can expect an average pay as a LPN/LVN to be $15-20 an hour your first 1-4 years of experience. Your pay will more than likely increase more with the years of experience you obtain, and your specialty field. Depending on your geographical location the pay can be higher, but it is also more because of higher cost of living.
The LVN/LPN training is a great nursing program. The costs for the training and time spent will quickly pay off. It’s an exciting career, and financially it pays very well!
