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How to Enroll In the Best LPN or LVN Training Program Near Commerce City Colorado

Commerce City Colorado LPN checking patient file with doctorOnce you have chosen a fulfilling career in the field of nursing, it's imperative that you select a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program near Commerce City CO that will deliver the appropriate education. 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 supervision of Registered Nurses (RN) or Doctors. However their functions do vary depending on the state they practice in, which we will cover in the following section. When initiating their search for schools, many prospective nursing students begin with those that are the closest to their residences or that are the least expensive. Although cost and location are important points to consider, they are not the only qualifications that you should base your selection on. Other concerns, for example if the schools are accredited or have high pass rates on the licensing exam are very important too. Let's look at the job of an LPN and what is involved in the instruction and licensing process.

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What does an LPN or LVN Do?

Commerce City Colorado licensed practical nurse checking on female senior in assisted living facility

Licensed Practical Nurses have a number of functions that they perform in the Commerce City CO health facilities where they practice. As their titles indicate, they are mandated to be licensed in all states, including Colorado. While they may be responsible for overseeing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), they themselves typically work under the direction of either an RN or a doctor. The healthcare facilities where they work are numerous and varied, including hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Virtually any place that you can encounter patients requiring medical attention is their dominion. Each state not only regulates their licensing, but also what duties an LPN can and can't perform. So depending on the state, their everyday job functions can include:

    • Checking vital signs
    • Administering medications
    • Setting up IV drips
    • Observing patients
    • Getting blood or urine samples
    • Taking care of patient records
    • Supporting physicians or Registered nurses with procedures

In addition to their job functions being mandated by each state, the healthcare facilities or other Commerce City CO healthcare providers where LPNs work can further limit their job roles within those parameters. Also, they can practice in various specialties of nursing, such as long-term care, critical care, oncology and cardiology.

LPN Certificates and Degrees

There are generally two academic credentials offered that provide instruction to become an LPN or LVN near Commerce City CO. The one that can be concluded in the shortest period of time, generally about twelve months, is the certificate or diploma program. The 2nd alternative is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These LPN programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and typically require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, besides supplying a higher credential and more comprehensive instruction, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor's Degree in nursing. Regardless of 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 another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the course of study properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Enrolling in LVN and LPN Online Courses

Commerce City Colorado licensed practical nurse assisting patient with crutches at doorAttending LPN schools online is emerging as a more preferred way to get instruction and attain a nursing certificate or degree in Commerce City CO. Many schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs call for a certain amount of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more practical approach to finding the time to attend classes for many students. Concerning tuition, a number of online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And a large number of online programs are accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized organizations. So if your work and family obligations have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, maybe an online LPN school will make it easier to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Learn How to Become an LPN or LVN in Commerce City



 

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