LPNs may use online courses for licensing renewal.
Continuing education credits are necessary for licensing renewal, and as such, licensed practical nurses look for courses that work well with their schedules. Several entities, such as the National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service, Inc. (NAPNES), offer online courses that qualify as continuing education credits.
Job Description
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses work in health care settings to care for patients who are sick or injured. Generally they report to registered nurses and/or physicians. Often they are responsible for administering injections, monitoring catheters and wounds, and keeping patients comfortable through bathing and dressing. LPNs mostly work 40-hour weeks in a general capacity though some of them specialize in working in nursing homes, doctors' offices or home health care.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service, Inc. (NAPNES)
The National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service, Inc. (NAPNES) is an organization that nationally accredits courses for LPN continuing education. Because it accredits courses nationally, it is a great resource no matter where you work. It also has links on its websites to programs accredited within numerous states. And as an accrediting entity, it offers several courses both inside and outside of the classroom to help meet LPN recertification eligibility criteria.
NAPNES Basics
NAPNES designed online courses that allow students to learn most effectively. Its online courses are mainly untimed and allow students to take breaks between lessons. Though the lessons aren't timed, the tests after the lessons and the end of the course are. The courses are an easy way to earn contact hours. Generally, its courses count as one, two, three, or four contact hours needed for licensing renewal.
Courses
NAPNES offers several courses online for those interested in accumulating continuing education credits. As of April 2010, these courses include, pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, intensive review of pharmacology, the new food pyramid, intimate partner violence and dementia. It also offers elder abuse, attitude impact on pain assessment and pain management guidelines. The costs of the courses range from $2 to $35 and have between four and 18 lessons.
Salary Potential
Salaries for licensed practical nurses are lower than those of registered nurses, but they still have a great salary potential. LPNs with one to four years of experience have a salary range of $23,900 to $42,400, those with five to nine years of experience have a salary range of $37,300 to $46,900 and those with 10 to 19 years of experience have a salary range of $35,000 to $56,000, according to PayScale.com. LPNs with 20 plus years of experience have a salary range of $40,000 to $54,000 as of April 2010.
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