执业职业护士

需要的教育

• To apply to a state-approved LVN/LPN training program, applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• A good GPA plus a solid background in subjects like math, science, biology, chemistry, anatomy, reading, and English is beneficial
• Entrance requirements vary by school. LVN/LPN programs generally require applicants to take an entrance exam, such as ATI’s Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

1. The TEAS consists of four general subjects: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English/English language usage. The exam may be taken online or in person but must be proctored

• Programs also require a math or English placement test, or even a college placement test such as the SAT or ACT
• Some programs may require that applicants first earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
• LVN/LPN training programs are offered through community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and some four-year colleges
• In addition, many vocational-oriented high schools offer career pathway programs in health sciences or certain LPN classes or dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to gain college credits
• LVN/LPN students may choose to pursue either a 12 to 18-month certificate/diploma or an 18 to 24-month associate’s degree program, if they plan to pursue becoming a registered nurse later
• Common course topics may include: 

1. Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation
2. Basic pharmacology (medications)
3. Medication administration, injections, intravenous
4. Therapeutic verbal and nonverbal communication techniques

• Patient-centered and direct nursing care
• There are no 100% online programs, but certain schools offer some LVN/LPN courses online or via a hybrid method. This is because programs must include supervised clinical experience
• Upon completion of training, LPN/LVN program graduates must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) exam before applying for state licensure. They cannot work without a license
• 执照可以延期，但延期通常需要完成继续教育课程。各州要求不同
• Based on state or employer guidelines, LVN/LPNs may need to meet mandatory immunization requirements, such as seasonal flu vaccination, Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal
• They may have to pass criminal background and drug screening
• 可能需要有效的现行州驾照和无犯罪记录的驾驶执照
• Licensed Vocational Nurses may complete optional credentials, such as:

1. American Board of Managed Care Nursing - Certified Managed Care Nurse
2. American Board of Wound Management - Certified Wound Care Associate
3. American Council on Exercise - Weight Management Specialty Certification   
4.  American Medical Certification Association - Patient Care Technician Certification    
5. American Red Cross - Basic Life Support Certification (i.e., CPR and AED)
6. Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. - Infection Control Certification 
7. Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing - Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse
8. Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates - Certified Urologic Associates Certification 
9. 注册药物助理（CMA）
10. Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association - Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse    
11. International Board for Certification of Safety Managers - Certified in Healthcare Safety - Long-Term Care
12. National Alliance of Wound Care - Wound Care Certification    
13. National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service - Intravenous Therapy Certification    
14. National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care - Certified Assisted Living Nursing    
15. National Association Of Emergency Medical Technicians - Advanced Medical Life Support    
16. National Center for Competency Testing - Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician
17. National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care - Certified Alzheimer Caregiver    
18. Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission - Certified Dialysis - Licensed Vocational Nurse

Licensed Vocational Nurses don’t have to attend training at a university. Training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, nurse training schools, and select four-year colleges. In addition, CNA programs are offered in some high school programs. 

• Review the LVN/LPN training and licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
• 考虑学费（州内/州外费率）、折扣、奖学金和授课方式（校内、在线或混合课程）。
• Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for the NCLEX-PN exam
• 查看当地医疗机构的临床经验选项。
• 考虑计划的持续时间和时间安排的灵活性。
• 查看教师简介和获奖情况。了解毕业率和就业统计。了解校友网络的成就！

• 在医疗保健机构担任志愿者，以增加接触机会并学习实用技能
• 在高中选修与解剖学、生理学、生物学、化学、体育、营养学、心理学、健康科学、急救、数学和英语相关的课程
• 考虑学习一种您所在地区可能常用的第二语言
• Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable Licensed Vocational Nurse training program (or, if needed, a nursing assistant program first)
• 制定连贯的锻炼计划，以便在控制压力的同时增强耐力和力量
• 保持健康的饮食习惯和规律的进餐时间，以保持精力充沛 
• 参加学校活动，培养项目管理、团队合作、领导经验和解决冲突的能力 
• Think about your long-term goals. If you might want to become a registered nurse later, consider that when deciding if you want to earn an LVN diploma, certificate, or an associate’s degree in nursing
• Consider the format you want to take classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others need to be learned in person 
• Research any unique state or potential employer requirements for becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
• Request to do an informational interview with a working LVN/LPN to learn about their daily duties
• 查看网上文章和视频，了解该职业领域的利弊、典型职责、工作环境以及您可能希望获得的额外认证！
• 保存一份可作为未来工作推荐人的联系人名单（附电话号码或电子邮件）。 
• 保留简历的工作草稿，并随着经验的积累不断更新