How to Become an Lpn and Why You Should Consider That Career Choice

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), in the spring of 2001 there were 126,000 unfilled registered nurse positions. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) compiled the following statistics:

The Netherlands predicted a shortage of 7000 nurses in 2002. Canada will require 10,000 nursing graduates every year continuing through 2011. England reports approximately 22,000 unfilled positions in March of 2000.

Without a doubt, there is a global nursing shortage with updated statistics stating that over 1.5 million nurses will be needed by the year 2020. If you're interested in nursing this is a career choice with almost guaranteed job assurance, however often there are more prospective students than available classes.

None of these prospective nurses can gain their credentials, without qualified nurse educators and an open classroom. Without them, many of these young men and women will be unable to fulfill their career choice. Based on that, becoming a licensed practical nurse (Lpn) is an ideal alternative and could be the first step in your in your medical education.

NOTE: LPNs (licensed practical nurses) are called LVNs (licensed vocational nurses in Texas.

The qualifications to become an Lpn are not as stringent as becoming a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner, with licensing (to qualified students) after only 9 to 12 months of training in a quality community college or career school. If you aspire to a career in the medical profession, choosing to become an Lpn could be a crucial career choice.

If you've wondered how to become an Lpn, you've taken a step in the right direction by reading this article. Lpn's work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, becoming an integral part of the nursing team and performing crucial patient related tasks.

Lpn's can provide more than simple bedside care, often responsible for taking a patient's temperature, blood pressure, pulse and more. Depending on hospital policies an Lpn may be responsible for preparing and administering injections, monitoring catheters, and of course bringing a good dose of compassion to someone in need of a smiling face. Obviously as an Lpn becomes more experienced, they may become teachers in their own right, supervising nurse's assistants and orderlies.

LPNs can potentially begin their careers in as little as 12 months from the time they begin training, with some curriculums available completely online. Their training can be tailored to an individual's schedule, since it's realized many perspective LPNs work 9-to-5 jobs and have life responsibilities.

While you may aspire to become an R.N., or nurse practitioner, becoming an Lpn can provide valuable training, allow you to earn a good living, and be beneficial if you pursue advanced nursing degrees. An added bonus in some cases (these are decided case-by-case) is your employer may pay all or a part of your tuition for your advanced education.

Becoming an Lpn allows you to care for patients the same as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, the difference being you'd work under their supervision. Other than that you'll be in the same high tech, often high pressure world of medicine.

According to the 2006 United States Census Bureau, registered nurses earn approximately $15,000 more per year than an Lpn, that's certainly a consideration, but realize becoming an Lpn does not hinder you from becoming a registered nurse or nurse practitioner later. In fact, your IPN experience will provide a more enhanced resume.