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Directory of state-approved LPN training classes |
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LPN/LVN Nursing Careers in Kentucky (KY) The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) designation requires training to care for disabled, injured, aging or ill patients who need assistance with daily activities. Practical or vocational nurses perform a lot of cleaning and personal care taking tasks and usually work in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Training includes learning nursing skills such as taking vital signs, lab testing, collecting samples, giving injections and updating patient charts using the correct medical terminology.
Practical nurses play an important role in the quality of healthcare delivery because their role involves so much direct patient interaction. For this reason, it is imperative that hospitals and medical care facilities hire the best possible candidates to fill their open LPN positions. The LPN can make a significant difference in the reputation for quality care at any given hospital or care center. There are both physical and emotional challenges to being a LPN. Many LPN positions require long work shifts spread over several consecutive days. This can be very demanding on the human body and might not be suitable for everyone. Nursing is also emotionally tiring because you are exposed to people who are suffering and that can weight heavily on an individual’s conscience. For those who pursue practical nursing careers there are some very strong benefits as well. Many cities and counties in Kentucky are experiencing shortages of qualified licensed practical nurses, which creates excellent employment opportunities for certified LPNs. The average annual salary for an LPN in Kentucky is approximately $38,000. Once an LPN reaches a point in their career where they wish to further their education, take on additional responsibilities, specialize in one particular field of nursing or increase their earning power they have the following options. LPNs can enroll in a qualified LPN to RN program to become a licensed Registered Nurse. Depending on the LPN’s current level of education and which type of program they select (full-time, part-time, accelerated format, Bachelor degree, Associate’s degree) they can achieve RN status in 1-2 years. The only exception is a Bachelor’s degree RN program where the LPN starts with no prior college credits, in which case the program would take about 4 years to finish. Practical nurses are usually assigned a group of patients to care for. The LPN will have direct contact with each patient on a daily basis and visit the patient several times during each assigned work shift. The LPN might be called upon to explain different treatment options to a patient and/or the patient’s family. LPNs might be in charge of prepping the patient before undergoing a medical procedure. Other typical LPN duties include changing/dressing wounds, delivering warm compresses or massages, recording vital signs, using healthcare equipment such as catheters, oxygen masks and intravenous IV therapy. LPNs receive their work instructions from the supervising RN or Physician and always make records of everything they do with patients on the patient’s daily medical chart. List of LPN Programs in Kentucky (KY) |
Kentucky LPN SchoolsOur directory lists all Kentucky schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Kentucky state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve. Required LPN Classes in KentuckyThe specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse. How to Become an LPN in KentuckyStart the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Kentucky as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment. Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in KentuckyWhen it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Kentucky state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center. LPN Quick Reference Links Kentucky Board of Nursing
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