LPNs provide direct patient care, including bathing, changing bed linens, taking vital signs, starting IVs and administering oral medications. LPNs may assist with rehabilitation exercises and other kinds of therapy, depending on their work site. A well-trained LPN is an asset in any medical facility because she can perform many important tasks while leaving RNs, doctors and nurse practitioners to attend to other duties. According to the National Federation of Licensed Professional Nurses (NFLPN), LPNs may be specifically assigned to critical care units, IV and specific treatment teams (See reference 1).
In order to work as a LPN, you must complete a specific educational program approved by the state in which you intend to work. Additionally, you must achieve a passing grade on a state licensure examination. You should inquire about these requirements from your state licensing board (See reference 1). Choose your school carefully. When inquiring about different schools, be sure to ask about their graduation rate, length of program, location of the internship and what financial aid might be available.
There are very few online CNA to LPN programs. However, if your work or personal obligations do not permit you to complete the entire program in a face-to-face setting, then you might be able to take some of the required courses online. Depending on the LPN program, you might receive a few credits for already having completed the CNA. However, CNA to LPN students complete the same course sequence as traditional LPN students.The LPN program consists of science and nursing courses, followed by a practicum for hands-on training. Some of your science or nursing courses without labs might be completed online. You need to specifically ask prospective schools about these kinds of arrangements and whether any credits earned outside of your program might be accepted.
When choosing an online school, it is wise to first review the list of schools within your own state. In recent years, many public and private universities have begun to offer online degree programs, courses and continuing education units. Ideally, the school should be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. to ensure quality. High school courses helpful for nursing students include math, sciences, social sciences, computer skills and language arts. Some programs require that prospective students pass the Nursing Entrance Exam, the PAX (NLN Pre-Admission Examination) and ATI Health Professions Exams.
Some online colleges and universities offer associate, bachelor and masters level programs in health care. However, they are not nursing programs. Before enrolling in any program, be sure to check with your state nursing board to verify whether it is accepted for licensing. In addition, it is always wise to speak with others who have succeeded in pursuing a LPN program after working as a CNA. A current nurse is a wonderful resource and can offer many insights about the educational process as well as the nursing field.