A Career in Practical Nursing
An Exciting, Challenging Career

What is a Practical Nurse?

Practical Nurses provide patient care wherever the community needs it—in places like hospitals, physician offices, and long-term care facilities. Working under the direction of registered nurses, physicians, or dentists, Practical Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team. Practical Nurses gather and document a patient’s medical history. They perform routine physical assessment of patients, i.e. vital signs, breath sounds, administer direct patient care, and administer treatments and medications. They may also provide additional clinical services depending on the rules and regulations imposed by the state where they practice.

What skills and qualities are necessary to be a successful Practical Nurse?

Practical Nurses need to be compassionate, patient, and emotionally stable in order to provide the best care to patients. Nursing in general is a physically demanding field, so Practical Nurses also need to be in reasonably good physical condition. Prospective Practical Nursing students should be academically successful, with excellent verbal communication skills and analytical abilities.

How do I become a Practical Nurse?

Practical Nurses are educated in programs approved by the State Board of Nursing. There are many programs to choose from, including full- and part-time options. A Practical Nursing education program consists of classroom and/or lab instruction along with clinical (i.e. hands-on) training in a hospital or other healthcare setting. Full-time programs generally take about a year while part-time programs can take 18 months or longer.

Upon completion of a program, students sit for the state board exam (called the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX) in order to obtain their license. After completing a state-approved practical nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam, students become LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses).

There are so many programs. Which one should I choose?

Students should select a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the national body responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs. Students should also make sure that their clinical training will take place in an environment that is conducive to learning. It is also worth enquiring about a program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate.

What job opportunities exist for Practical Nurses?

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of LPNs is expected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The Department of Labor attributes this increase to “the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general increase in demand for health care services.” (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009)

Should I become a Practical Nurse?

If you have a strong desire to help others, good academic and physical ability, and an interest in medicine, Practical Nursing may be a good career choice for you. Since the education is very hands-on, you will gain a considerable amount of practical experience before you graduate, which will give you a very good idea if you’ve made the right choice.

The benefits of becoming a Practical Nurse are many. The education required is usually shorter than an RN (registered nurse) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, so you can enter the healthcare workforce relatively quickly. If you work at a hospital or other large facility, your employer may offer the opportunity for you to continue your education with the assistance of tuition reimbursement. Most importantly, job prospects for Practical Nurses are excellent.

Editorial is provided by Keri Anne Mitchell, B.S.Edu. Keri is the Admissions Coordinator for the Practical Nursing Program at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.