Practical Nursing Career

A career in practical nursing requires patience and caring since patients in many situations will depend on the practical nurse for basic needs and comfort. As a practical nurse, you will assist patients in recovery, change dressings, monitor patient vitals, perform lab tests, assist with hygiene and bathing, and perform other nursing duties that require constant interaction with the patient.

Practical nursing carries many responsibilities so the candidate should be mentally stable and responsible in nature and be able to follow directions from a registered nurse or doctor. Practical nurses may care for infants, the elderly, mentally handicapped and people who have been involved in accidents so practical nurses must know how to deal with many situations and health conditions.

To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), the student must first train in a state approved nursing school. They must then take the licensing examination known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses or NCLEX-PN. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing develops this exam to ensure that students have gained the knowledge needed to enter a career as a nurse and are competent to perform medical duties at an entry-level position.

As the licensed practical nurse gains knowledge and experience, they may choose to train as registered nurse. This is a natural career development move that some choose to follow to enhance their position in the medical field. Nurses may also have the opportunity to advance to such positions as charge nurse or they may decide to specialize in certain areas of health care such as psychiatry, obstetrics or surgery among others. A career as a licensed practical nurse has many rewards and much flexibility but as experience is gained responsibilities increase.

Tidewater Tech has designed the practical nursing program to provide students with relevant education they will need to enter a career in the area of health ready to become productive members in a hospital or health care facility. Students will study such areas as pharmacology, medical terminology, surgical nursing, emergency and trauma, mental health and more. If you would like to learn more about a career in nursing, licensure process, financial aid, admissions process or your career in the health field, please contact an admission representative at (757) 853-2121.