March 9, 2015

NCLEX PN Test

The NCLEX PN test, formally known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, is a comprehensive and challenging assessment for men and women who wish to enter this rewarding and rapidly growing field of health care. The exam is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in consultation with an expert team of test administrators.

Requiring approximately five hours to complete, the test includes somewhere between 85 and 205 items, 25 of which are pretest questions used to develop future versions of the NCLEX PN exam. These items are impossible to identify and do not contribute to the final score.

The NCLEX PN test covers four main content domains: safe and effective care environment, which covers the management of care and safety and infection control; health promotion and maintenance; psychosocial integrity; and physiological integrity, which addresses basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation.

NCLEX PN exam scores are sent directly to the relevant board of nursing in the candidate’s jurisdiction. Test takers receive an unofficial score report about one month after the examination date. However, for a small fee, candidates can receive unofficial NCLEX PN test results 48 business hours after the examination.

NCLEX PN Study Guide

Start learning how to be successful on your NCLEX PN exam. Our NCLEX PN study guide is guaranteed to help you get the results you deserve on your NCLEX PN test. Some test takers prefer to study using flashcards and so we have created the best NCLEX PN flashcards that cover everything you need to know for the NCLEX PN exam. Note that using multiple study aids will help you maximize the benefit from your study time.

NCLEX PN Study Guide
NCLEX PN Flashcards

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LPN Salary

A licensed practical nurse (LPN), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), is an important part of our health care system. They perform many diverse duties, usually under the guidance of a registered nurse (RN) or doctor. Their job is to administer medication, take vital signs, give injections, monitor equipment, conduct lab tests, dress wounds, and assist patients with their daily living activities. They are responsible for observing and recording patient reactions and reporting results to the doctor or RN in charge. Although an LPN cannot administer anesthesia for surgery, he or she can provide primary care in a medical practice. From time to time, they may be required to formulate nursing plans or teach community information courses.

An LPN may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, dental offices, or mental health facilities. The LPN should have good interpersonal skills with a sincere interest to help people. Physical stamina and endurance are important in this job, as well as tact and sound judgment. Some people know that they are interested in the profession early in life. Good grades in high school courses, such as biology, chemistry, algebra, first aid, food and nutrition, and psychology, are good indicators that a student will do well in college-level courses. To enter into an LPN-accredited program, the student must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

An LPN program takes about one to two years to complete and leads to a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. The certificate and diploma programs are the most popular, while the associate’s degree is advantageous for those students interested in pursuing more advanced nursing careers. An LPN provides the foundation for nursing jobs that pay higher wages and more responsibility. To evaluate an appropriate school, the prospective LPN student should look at the school size and faculty-to-student ratio. Schools that offer an LPN program as a part of a larger advanced nursing curriculum may provide the flexibility needed should the person decide to go back to school to pursue an advanced nursing degree. An LPN school should provide the student adequate clinical time and direct contact with patients. Look for the board pass rates, which are a sign of the quality of the program. Also look at the cost of the school and available financial aid.

These programs usually consist of classroom and supervised clinical care, and the student studies anatomy, phlebotomy, adult care, patient care, pharmacology, and patient care.

Becoming an LPN is one of the fastest ways to start a nursing career. Upon completing the accredited program, the individual should have a clean criminal record and must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for LPNs.

Students interested in specializing in a specific area, such as pediatrics, oncology, psychiatry, or obstetrics, can take additional training courses in these areas. Some LPNs decide to take additional training to become RNs or even doctors.

Employment opportunities for LPNs have drastically increased due to the growth in the elderly population. The increased need for long-term care has created a demand for trained nurses. The national average LPN salary is in the high $50,000 range with generous benefits. Larger cities may pay higher salaries. The highest LPN salaries come from health insurance providers. Some LPNs decide to take on travel jobs as a way to increase earnings. Some of the most popular employers for LPNs are the United States Army, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Amedisys Home Health Care.