Maybe you have always enjoyed helping those in need. Perhaps you come from a long family tradition of healthcare workers. Whatever your reasons are, beginning as an LPN is an excellent way to break into the healthcare world. You can get valuable experience working in a rapidly growing healthcare field, without years of education to begin. Today, the Phoenix Home Care team will discuss the steps required and some general advice for becoming an LPN.
Start By Choosing a Nursing School
Your first step is to decide how you want to obtain your education. There are thousands of nursing schools across the country, and many community colleges offer LPN programs. Before you commit to the nearest college, however, you need to ask yourself what your end goal is. Are you interested in working as an LPN for the long run, or do you plan to continue your education down the road? Many schools offer LPN-to-RN and RN-to-BSN programs. These programs make it much easier to continue your education and advance your career.
Take the TEAS Exam
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is the standardized test that the majority of nursing schools use to evaluate candidates for admission. Schedule a time slot early, and begin studying for the exam. Many study programs can be found online or at your local bookstore. Once you are prepared, it’s time to pass the exam.
Complete Your Nursing Program
The next step in your healthcare career path is to complete your nursing program. Some LPN programs can be finished in as little as 12 months, though it will require effort. You will split your time between class and clinicals, learning the very basics of the duties of an LPN. After you have completed your program, it’s time to pass your NCLEX exam.
The National Council Licensure Examination is a standardized test that every state regulatory board uses to determine if you are ready to become licensed as a nurse. Most programs will have classes dedicated to preparing you for the NCLEX. However, if possible, it’s an excellent idea to take extra time to prepare on your own as well. Once you have passed, you’re officially an LPN.
Time to Find an LPN Job
After becoming an LPN, it’s time for your hard work to pay off. You can start seeking open positions and submitting resumes to employers. Once you are hired, your healthcare career has begun!
Start Your Career at Phoenix Home Care
If you are an LPN looking for a place to call home, the Phoenix Home Care family would love to hear from you. We are always looking for compassionate, hard-working, people to join our ranks. Check out our employment openings on our career page, or contact our team at 888-830-2388 if you have questions. We’d love to hear from you!
