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How to Select the Right LVN or LPN School Near Costa Mesa California

Costa Mesa California LPN reviewing patient chart with physicianNow that you have decided on a rewarding career in the field of nursing, it's imperative that you choose a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school near Costa Mesa CA that will provide the proper training. If you reside in Texas or California, then you will be searching for a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) school instead. There is no difference, aside from the names, between an LPN and an LVN. They both perform the same job functions and work in health care facilities under the guidance of Registered Nurses (RN) or Doctors. But their functions do differ depending on the state they practice in, which we will address in the following segment. When initiating their search for schools, many prospective nursing students begin with those that are the nearest to their residences or that are the least costly. Although tuition and location are important points to consider, they are not the only criteria that you should base your decision on. Other variables, for instance if the schools are accredited or have high pass rates on the licensing exam are very important as well. Let's have a look at the job of an LPN and what is involved in the instruction and licensing process.

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Job Duties of an LPN or LVN

Costa Mesa California LPN checking on elderly woman in assisted living facility

Licensed Practical Nurses have numerous functions that they perform in the Costa Mesa CA health care facilities where they are employed. As their titles imply, they are mandated to be licensed in all states, including California. While they may be responsible for supervising Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), they themselves generally work under the direction of either an RN or a doctor. The medical facilities where they work are numerous and varied, such as hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Anyplace that you can encounter patients in need of medical treatment is their domain. Every state not only controls their licensing, but also what duties an LPN can and can't perform. So based on the state, their daily work functions can include:

    • Measuring vital signs
    • Administering medications
    • Initiating IV drips
    • Overseeing patients
    • Getting blood or urine samples
    • Taking care of patient records
    • Supporting doctors or RNs with procedures

In addition to their occupational functions being mandated by each state, the health facilities or other Costa Mesa CA healthcare providers where LPNs work can additionally limit their job duties within those parameters. In addition, they can work in different specialties of nursing, which include long-term care, critical care, oncology and cardiology.

LPN Training

There are principally two scholastic credentials available that provide instruction to become an LPN or LVN near Costa Mesa CA. The one that may be finished in the shortest amount of time, usually about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma course. The next option is to attain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These LPN programs are broader in nature than the diploma option and usually require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, along with offering a higher credential and more comprehensive training, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor's Degree in nursing. No matter the type of credential you pursue, it needs to be state approved and ideally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the syllabus properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Attending LVN and LPN Online Classes

Costa Mesa California LPN assisting patient with crutches at entranceEnrolling in LPN programs online is emerging as a more favored way to get training and earn a nursing certificate or degree in Costa Mesa CA. Some schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs call for a specific amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare facility. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more accommodating answer to finding the free time to attend classes for many students. Concerning tuition, a number of online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized organizations. So if your work and family commitments have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online LPN program will make it easier to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

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COSTA MESA HOW TO BECOME AN LPN OR LVN | COSTA MESA LPN OR LVN PROGRAMS NEAR ME