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How to Find the Best LPN or LVN Training Near West Warwick Rhode Island

West Warwick Rhode Island LPN looking over patient file with physicianOnce you have decided on a rewarding vocation in the field of nursing, it's important that you locate a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program near West Warwick RI that will provide the proper education. If you live in Texas or California, then you will be searching for a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) school instead. There is no difference, other than the names, between an LPN and an LVN. They both carry out 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 look at in the next segment. When beginning their search for schools, many future nursing students start with the ones that are the nearest to their houses or that are the least expensive. Even though cost and location are relevant points to consider, they are not the only criteria that you should base your selection on. Other concerns, for instance if the schools are accredited or have high pass rates on the licensing exam are extremely important too. Let's look at the function of an LPN and what is involved in the instruction and licensing process.

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Job Duties of an LPN or LVN

West Warwick Rhode Island LPN checking on female senior in nursing home

Licensed Practical Nurses have numerous functions that they accomplish in the West Warwick RI health care facilities where they practice. As their titles indicate, they are mandated to be licensed in all states, including Rhode Island. Even though they may be responsible for supervising Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), they themselves typically work under the supervision of either an RN or a doctor. The medical facilities where they work are numerous and varied, including hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Anyplace that you can encounter patients requiring medical attention is their dominion. Each state not only regulates their licensing, but also what functions an LPN can and can't perform. So depending on the state, their everyday work functions can include:

    • Taking vital signs
    • Giving medications
    • Initiating IV drips
    • Observing patients
    • Collecting blood or urine samples
    • Maintaining patient records
    • Helping doctors or RNs with procedures

In addition to their job functions being regulated by each state, the medical facilities or other West Warwick RI healthcare providers where LPNs work can additionally limit their job roles within those parameters. Additionally, they can practice in different specialties of nursing, such as long-term care, critical care, oncology and cardiology.

LPN Programs

There are essentially two scholastic credentials offered that provide training to become an LPN or LVN near West Warwick RI. The one that can be concluded in the shortest amount of time, generally about twelve months, is the certificate or diploma course. The second choice is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These LPN programs are broader in nature than the diploma alternative and generally require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, aside from providing a higher credential and more in-depth training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor's Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you seek, it needs to be state approved and ideally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or any other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the core curriculum adequately prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Enrolling in LPN and LVN Classes Online

West Warwick Rhode Island licensed practical nurse greeting patient with crutches at doorAttending LPN schools online is emerging as a more preferred way to obtain training and acquire a nursing certificate or degree in West Warwick RI. Some schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs require a specific number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more practical answer to finding the free time to attend classes for some students. Pertaining to tuition, a number of online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus options. Even supplemental 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. And so if your work and family responsibilities have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, perhaps an online LPN training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Learn How to Become an LVN or LPN in West Warwick



 

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