If you have ever wanted to enter the field of nursing, then I will say, now is the time because according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), they show an increased 12% in favour of the nursing employment by 2026.
This means that more and more people are opting to get into the field of nursing.
With the increasing trend in this particular field, Florida is offering so many different courses, and many new schools are being established which are supporting diplomas to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Florida. I must mention here that LPN is different from RN (registered nurse).
What is LPN?
LPN stands for the Licensed Practical Nurse. LPNs are exactly not qualified nurses, but they are licensed to perform a certain number of tasks which any RN will perform.
LPNs are responsible for using their extensive training in a wide range of nursing tasks and patientcare objectives.
They must have strong communication skills and must be organized to get comfortable with the patient and their families and talk to them about different scenarios.
LPNs are trained in such way that makes them follow strict rules and regulations of the workplace and respect them. They are trained to be able to multi-task and in a fast-paced working environment.
They must be friendly towards the patients and their families and also provide excellent care. The real task for the LPNs is to perform well alone without supervision and also when working in a team.
What should LPN do?
LPN must be able to perform certain nursing tasks which are learned over a period of time or during the extensive LPN training. These different tasks are explained as under:
- LPN must know how to measure temperature and blood pressure,
- They can take serious responsibility of providing medication to the patient,
- They know how to administer injections and vital signs and also how to dress the wounds,
- They must also have the proper knowledge of how to collect blood and urine samples,
- How they should prepare patient for examinations,
- They must be active and fast enough to fill out medical charts and record prescribed medications.
- They must be able to stand on feet for several hours at a time,
- They know how to log in their interactions and progress on the computer,
- LPN is required to work under a registered nurse,
- LPNs must be able to communicate with the doctor or physician in charge and with the patient and their family.
- Last but not least, they must possess healthy information about the medical instruments and materials and know how to operate them if ever needed.
- LPNs are required to have such an amazing control over their feelings so they can counter effect any hazardous situation.
How much does an LPN make in Florida?
The average Licensed Practical Nurse LPN can make up to $43,480 which is below the national average for LPN.
According to the latest facts and figures, Florida currently has 47,550 LPN employed at different levels in a range of different industries.
Below is a chart which will explain to you the general idea of what the average salary for LPN is and salary on the different levels such as weekly basis, hourly basis and so on.
How do you become an LPN?
To become an LPN, people who are interested are required to enter into an LPN training program.
There are many schools and colleges which are offering different diplomas and programs for becoming LPN. They must have the following requirement fulfilled to become an LPN.
- I year of LPN training program,
- 1 year of courses and hand- on practice,
Applying to the Florida Board of Nurses for the Licensure of LPN. You are required to fill out the application and submit it along with the fees of $85 and your Training school transcript as well.
You must clear the CPR and pass the NCLEX-PN exam
There are few requirements which are must when you are applying for the training LPN programs in Florida.
You must have these when you are applying for the training school or program, and only after these major requirements, you will be allowed to get admission in your school or choice.
Requirements for LPN training program
To appear for the LPN training program, you must have a few necessary documents, and I must inform you that those required documents vary from state to state and also by the school. For of the things which you must have to get into an LPN training program in Florida, are as under;
- You must be of 18 years of age or above,
- You must hold a high school diploma, or you have passed the General Educational Development (GED) exam,
- Prerequisite courses in biology or math must be done,
- Criminal background check,
- Drug test should be provided,
- Up-to-date immunization record,
- CPR certificate,
- CAN licensure or any other nursing completion program certificate,
- Tuberculosis screening must be done, and the report must be provided.
Fees structure
It may seem a bit of a stressful idea that students must pay for their fees while studying in any LPN college or school, the offer of scholarships and fees reduction are also present for those students who once get into their college and shows excellent credential student behavior.
You must remember that students have to pay fees for their tuitions, mandatory fees, and material expense fee as well.
These fees structure will fluctuate with different colleges, but financial aid is always present. But you must also know that out of state students will pay a higher tuition rate.
Can you get your LPN license online?
With the increasing trend in the field of nursing, you must have heard of various offers which many schools and colleges of nurses are offering online. Well, don’t get scammed.
There is absolutely no way to get the LPN degree online as you are required to have one year of studies with practice as well. You cannot have the practice online option, so it is obvious.
And I must mention here that although some school does offer online courses for a reality check, those courses are not approved or credited for.
How long does it take to become an LPN in Florida?
It usually takes an estimated period of 1 to 2 years of completion of the course or program that you have selected.
Different schools offer different programs or diplomas, and they vary in their completion periods. But generally, it is of 1 to 2 years.
After the completion of the course, the students are required to appear in the NCLEX-PN examination after the graduation.
LPN students will take classes that would be as the following:
- Practical Nursing Foundations
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills
Conclusion
With the increasing demand for new and effective health care and life expectancy averages, nursing demand is increasing.
With such an incredible increase in demand, many hospitals and health companies and doctor offices are offering various programs in which LPNs come as a beneficial offer.
They are offering a flexible schedules and educational benefits, higher pay to welcome more and more nurses for this field. Although the trend is now toward it, but the need is increasing as well, and Florida is known for more retired people than any other state.