Licensed Practical Nurse Training
Definition & Purpose
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
Most LPNs provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages. LPNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, LPNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In States where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.
In addition to providing routine bedside care, LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they also may make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. LPNs who work in private homes may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
Most licensed practical nurses in hospitals and nursing care facilities work a 40-hour week, but because patients need round-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, and holidays. They often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk.
Career Outlook
Employment opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses are expected to be excellent in the years to come. There is an expected growth of 10-20% through the year 2014 for this area of nursing. The growing elderly population, which requires more care from trained personnel, and the general growth of health care will also cause this job market to expand. Another area of exceptional growth for LPNs will be in nursing homes. Long-term care of elderly patients will be an increasing concern to the nation’s health care system. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an LPN is $33,970, with the standard salary range from $28,000—$40,000.
Course Description
PCCTI's Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program / courses in Chicago and Oak Brook is a one-year certificate / diploma program which prepares students to provide nursing care for the sick, injured and otherwise disabled health patients.
The LPN program utilizes a blended learning methodology, which includes classroom instruction, laboratory simulations at our own LPN labs present in both campuses, externships in clinical settings such as hospitals and nursing care facilities, and online practice and exam preparation.
After successful completion of the LPN courses with a minimum grade of "C", students must take the HESI Exit Exam and pass it with the minimum score of 900. After taking the HESI Exit Exam students will receive a certificate in Practical Nursing, and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN State Licensure Exam
NUR 101 - Basic Nursing
Introduces the student to the nursing process and the roles as member of the discipline of nursing and provider of care. Emphasizes assessment and intervention in caring for adult clients. Provides theory and practice in assisting clients to meet basic needs.
NUR 102 - Fundamentals of Nursing
Provides theory and practice in nursing skills needed to promote health and to identify and alleviate the effects of health problems commonly occurring across the life span. Provides a framework for ethical decision making and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and lifelong learning in Nursing.
NCLEX- PCCTI prepares you for the NCLEX examination
- High School GPA 2.25 or higher on a 4.00 scale
- Valid CNA Certification
- College coursework in English and Math with a grade average of "C" or higher. (Completed within the last five and 1/2 years). If no such coursework has been attempted, a minimum score of 80% will be required in the HESI Pre-Admission testing. HESI Preadmission Assessment
(Each HESI Preadmission Assesment attempt is $25) - College level Anatomy and Physiology with a grade level of "C" within the last 5 years.
- Anatomy & Physiology portion of HESI will be required for all applicants regardless of previous cousework. A minimum passing score of 80% is required.
- Proof of personal Medical Insurance
- Current CPR/BLS card
- Certified Background and sanction check from www.certifiedbackground.com (1-888-723-4263 x7142)
- Proof and clearance of 10 panel drug screening from www.castlebranch.com (1-888-723-4263 x7142)
- Proof of Immunizations/Titers: MMRV, Hepatitis B, Tetanus - up to date.
- Current PPD/TB Test - up to date.
- Current Physical.
- Professional liability insurance.
PCCTI has set the goal of providing the highest quality education in a supportive and stimulating environment by hiring highly qualified faculty with considerable knowledge and experience, and varied cultural backgrounds, students will discover an excellent opportunity to enhance their knowledge at PCCTI.
This knowledge allows both the faculty and the student to incorporate educational standards with the need for individual customization that should be initiated when integrating health care and community.
LPN Labs
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Inquire about the LPN program now
Chicago: (312) 920-8822
Oak Brook: (630) 705-9999
IDFPR Nursing Info