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LPN training gives students a chance to hone their skills for a rewarding career in the medical field leading to a job as a licensed practicing nurse. LPNs can find work in many different settings from large hospitals to local clinics and from emergency rooms to nursing homes. Some work with pediatricians while others may work in general practice or at an assisted living facility for the elderly. The field is rapidly growing and with the nation's health care needs expanding because of an aging population, nursing jobs are expected to grow for years to come. The profession's expected job growth over the next ten years is expected to increase by an eye-popping twenty percent or more. So while many other employment fields are drying up or contracting, the nursing field is growing rapidly. Compensation for nurses is modest and hours can be quite variable. Typical salaries range in between thirty and forty thousand annually, but experienced LPNs or those who work plenty of overtime can earn even more. Entry level pay for beginning in the profession is typically in the range of twelve or thirteen dollars an hour, though it may run higher in areas on the East and West coasts where cost of living and wages tend to be a little higher. Nurses can be expected to perform many different tasks. In addition to providing basic care like taking a patient's temperature and blood pressure, the nurse may be required to lift a patient out of bed, monitor fluid levels, and fill out reports for the doctor. In emergency rooms, nursing homes and mental health facilities, nurses may be asked to be on duty overnight. Consequently, nurses often work long and irregular hours as a result. Students following this career path should ensure that they have the temperament and aptitude required to perform the job properly. Good people skills are essential as nurses must interact with medical staff as well as the public. Being able to effectively communicate with doctors and patients is critical. Nurses also need to be able to handle pressure situations as their occupations are anything but routine. Also, people who are squeamish around blood should consider another line of work. LPN training is available at many schools. Courses are offered through many community colleges and specialized nursing schools. Several online programs also provide nursing training, though it is best if they are blended programs that also have an in person component for hands on training. Some programs are also offered through medical facilities. These programs have the added benefit that they may hire the student on after his or her internship. A typical curriculum requires a year of full time investment. Those who cannot take classes full time can opt for part time classes and complete their curriculum in twelve to twenty-four months. Students wishing to pursue a degree in nursing should have at least a high school diploma or be able to provide proof of passing the GED test. Course work can be conducted in a number of areas. A typical curriculum might include classes in pharmacology, first aid, anatomy, and pediatrics. In addition to core classroom instruction, most programs require practical applications of the topics learned via real experience in a hospital or other care facility. LPN training helps students acquire the skills they need to be competitive in today's economy. The nursing field is an exceptionally promising line of work in the current employment environment and students who enter the field often go on to lead fulfilling and challenging careers.
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