Practical nursing can be a rewarding job. It is one of the quickest ways to enter into the nursing profession. The practical nurses work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors providing the patients bedside care. Their job duties involve measurement of vitals, collection of samples, maintenance of medical equipments, monitoring and reporting of patient’s health status, preparation of medication plans, giving injections and medication, and carrying out basic care such as dressing, feeding, bathing, helping in movement, maintaining patient’s hygiene etc. They find employment in a variety of health care facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home care agencies, rehabilitation centre and doctor’s or physician’s offices.
Eligibility for LPN in Washington DC-
One must have completed a high school diploma or GED and studied some pre-requisite courses in subjects like human anatomy and physiology, psychology, English composition, interpersonal communication etc. The nursing schools have their own guidelines and criteria for admissions. But, it is common that they base grade point average in the pre-nursing subjects and score in Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as the criteria. The schools may also require passing their own entrance test and facing a personal interview. The applicant should not have any criminal history or drugs or alcoholic addiction. The nursing field demands to have a sympathetic nature and an urge to serve the needy ones.
How to Become an LPN in Washington DC-
First off, one must have successfully completed an approved diploma or certificate course of nursing. By the completion of the course, the aspirant can apply to the DC board of Nursing for licensure. This is followed by transfer of a transcript from the nursing school to the board and criminal history background check and drugs screening through FBI fingerprint technology. Once allowed by the board, the applicant can register into for the national certification exam National Counsel Licensing Examination – Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). The certification is administered by the national examiner Pearson-Vue. Passing the certification leads to the issue of licensure. If an applicant fails in the certification, he/she can re-take the test many times until two years in waiting period of 45 days. The applicants normally pass the exam in first chance, and if not, in the second attempt. The license needs to be renewed in every two year period by receiving the continued education.
LPN Schools in Washington DC -
The approved schools based in Washington DC that are offering practical nurse curriculum are listed below:
Capital Health Institute
Address: 7826 Eastern Avenue Suite 515 Washington, DC 20012
Phone: (202) 722-8830
Comprehensive Health Academy School of Practice Nursing
Address: 1106 Bladensburg Road, NE Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 388-5500
Radians College
Address: 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 291-9020
University of the District of Columbia
Address: 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW Mail Box 1005 Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 274-6952
VMT Academy of Practical Nursing
Address: 4201 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 301 Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 282-3010
DC Health Professional Licensing Administration Contact Info-
Address: 899 North Capitol Street, NE First Floor Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 1-877-672-2174
Fax: (202) 727-8471
Website:http://hpla.doh.dc.gov/hpla/cwp/view,a,1195,q,488526,hplanav,|30661|,.asp
LPN Program Expenses in Washington DC-
The course fees vary in different schools. It is typically around $9000. The NCLEX-PN exam fee is $200. The license fees for examination and endorsement are $102 and $145 respectively. The fee for renewal of licenses is $145.
How to Choose Best Nursing School for LPN in Washington DC-
The undergraduate students willing to take admission into practical nurse course can apply to the nursing schools of their choice based on factors like the tuition fees, percentage of NCLEX-PN passed candidates in last years, length of the program, timing of classes, type of degree awarded, clinical exposure, campus life, availability of seats, candidacy, reputation of the college etc. The applicant must match the requirements of the desired school and should struggle to achieve best grades in the pre-requisite subjects and reasonable TEAS score.
LPN Salaries in Washington DC-
The salary of practical nurses averaged over the District of Columbia is $53,000 per year. It is an impressive figure comparing to many states of USA. It varies from $35,000 to $60,000 depending upon work experience, facility, geographic location, locality, type of shift, specialty of nursing practice and other factors. There are also bonuses, medical facilities and 401(k) program which are additionally enjoyed by the PNs. The incomes are lower in beginning, however, are increased after gaining the relevant experience.
LPN Career Opportunities-
The practical nurse is not a high paid job; still it reserves a source of income. The higher nursing education like LPN to RN or BSN courses must be pursued along with the job. The achievement of the educational credentials is the only way, by which, practical nurses can advance their career. They typically, work for 40 hours a week taking into account night shifts, weekends or holidays sometimes. It is complicated and demands extra efforts to accommodate academics, but the education can be normally continued along with the job.
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