Your Path to Healthcare Heroes: A Guide to Becoming an LPN in PA
The healthcare industry is rapidly expanding, and with over 10,000 baby boomers retiring daily, the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Western PA is higher than ever. Your skills and dedication are increasingly vital to meet the region's growing needs.
What is an LPN?
An LPN works with a registered nurse providing basic patient care and comfort. This position involves a specific set of skills and can provide you with a quick path to becoming a nurse yourself.
Your job is to help the RN with all of the nursing tasks. This includes taking vitals, working with the patients directly, and administering medication as directed. This particular role in the medical industry also works in several locations, such as hospitals, retirement homes, physician’s offices, and skilled nursing facilities. Ultimately, you play an integral part of the medical industry.
How to Become an LPN
There are a series of steps you must take in order to become a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). It involves 1-2 years of study—let’s dive in.
Education
Get your education as an LPN in a registered LPN Program. This is a one to two-year, state-approved program. Here you learn what you need to know to pass the necessary licensing test, which is the NCLEX-PN exam.
When choosing an LPN Program, be sure to ask for their NCLEX-PN exam pass rate. This is the percentage of their graduates who pass the exam on their first attempt and can help you make sure you are choosing the right LPN Program.
Clinical Hours
One essential component of your education is your practical, or clinical hours , experience. To become an LPN in Western, PA, you have to complete a certain number of clinical hours during your educational training. Full-time students can complete this along with their classes within one year.
Take the NCLEX-PN Exam
The NCLEX-PN exam is the test you must pass to receive your license as an LPN. Your LPN program will help you sign up and study for this test.
Final Step
Once you have your LPN license, you are then allowed to search for employment. That’s where CynaMed comes in. They are a very successful hiring agency in the medical industry and can provide you with more data so you can be in the field you love earning the money you deserve. Reach out to CynaMed today!