A licensed practical nurse or LPN works under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician to promote wellness. Adults who successfully complete a practical nursing program in Virginia will be prepared to provide basic nursing care in hospitals, patients’ homes, clinics, assisted living facilities, physicians’ offices, and other health care facilities. They will have the skills and knowledge to measure, record, and evaluate vital signs, measure fluid intake and output, assist bedridden patients with personal hygiene such as bathing, toileting, and dressing, assist with the development and implementation of patient care plans, and ensure patients’ comfort and emotional well-being. LPNs who work in medical-surgical units will set up sterile instruments and assist physicians and surgeons with treatments. Other common responsibilities include the application of dressings, administer injections and enemas, insert catheters, treat bedsores, observe patients for adverse reactions to medications, collect samples from patients for routine lab tests, and assist with deliveries.
Licensed practical nurses in nursing homes may have a broader of responsibilities that include bedside service, evaluation of patients’ needs, developing and evaluating patient care plans, and supervising nurse aides.
LPNs must be emotionally stable, physically capable of the strenuous activities, and be willing to take and follow directions. Flexibility is critical since the job involves day, evening, and weekend work. The median annual salary for LPNs was $43,030 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage
ACE Center at Hermitage provides practical nursing students with the knowledge and skills to care for clients a various health care settings. The state-approved program includes theory and practical experiences that grants students the eligibility to apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. Successful candidates will receive authorization to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the
Virginia Board of Health Professions. The program is open to high school students entering their senior year in Henrico County Public Schools or adults who are employees of Bon Secours Richmond Health System or who reside in Henrico County. Candidates who live outside Henrico County may also apply to the program. All applicants must have a minimum GPA or 2.5.
The duration of the program is 18 months. The first 9 months (Practical Nursing I) requires attendance of classes at Hermitage Technical Center. Class times are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 11:30 or 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. High school students will divide their time between the high school and the technical center. The final nine months require full –time attendance – Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Classes will be conducted at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital and other health care facilities. Course topics include an introduction to nursing, structure and function of the body, nursing fundamentals, nutrition, geriatrics, geriatrics, pharmacology, introduction to medical surgical nursing, maternity and pediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Students must have a final grade of 77 percent or better on Practical Nursing I to move on the Practical Nursing II.
Admission criteria:
- Provide three educational/work references
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- High school transcript
- Attend an applicant interview
- Provide immunization records
- Submit to a urine drug screen
- Have current CPR certification
- Obtain criminal background clearance
Tuition for the program is $480 for high school students. Students will pay for the Practical Nursing II only. Miscellaneous expenses total $1,010 and include name pin, uniform, stethoscope, books, shoes, and graduation expenses. Financial aid is available through several sources for completing Practical Nursing II.
- Website: http://acecenterathermitage.henricoschools.us/practical-nursing/
- Address: 8301 Hungary Spring Road, Henrico, Virginia 23228
- Phone: (804) 756-3020
- Fax: (804) 756-3025
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: NA
St. Mary’s Hospital – School of Practical Nursing
The part-time practical nursing program at St. Mary’s Hospital is taught in part at ACE Center and Hermitage and at the Mount Vernon Adult Education Complex and St Mary’s Hospital. The duration of the program is 18 months and is divided into two 9-month modules. Practical nursing I covers anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, nutrition, geriatrics, pharmacology, and introduction to medical-surgical nursing. Practical Nursing II covers medical surgical nursing, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and leadership and management.
Admission criteria:
- Provide three educational/work references
- Have a minimum GPA or 2.5
- Provide a high school transcript or GED
- Provide any college transcripts
- Take the pre-admission TEAS test – will be scheduled after the completed application is submitted
- Attend an applicant interview
- Provide immunization records
- Submit to a urine drug screen
- Have current CPR certification
- Obtain criminal background clearance
Tuition for adult residents of Henrico County is $840. For other adults, the tuition is $1,200. Miscellaneous expenses will total $1,794 and include insurance, books, uniforms, shoes, name pins, stethoscope, and graduation expenses.
- Website: https://henricocte.com/career-classes/adult-education/lpn/
- Address: 7850 Carousel Lane, Henrico, VA 23294
- Phone: 804-527-4660 Ext. 103 or 124
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: NA
Bryant & Stratton College
The Practical Nursing program at Bryant & Stratton College leads to a Practical Nursing Diploma. Graduates have the opportunity to apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses or continue their education to the Associate Degree in Nursing. The curriculum incorporates classroom and clinical instruction to prepare students for their role as licensed practical nurses where they would practice in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care. Students learn how to provide safe and patient-centered nursing care, function as a part of the interdisciplinary health care team, manage the flow of information effectively, use leadership skills in various settings and coordinate care, use current technology or locate information to achieve positive outcomes, and follow established methods of inquiry. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of practical nursing, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology for LPNs, intravenous therapy, practical nursing leadership and transition, maternal child nursing, and lifespan development and nursing practice. Liberal arts requirements include research and writing, college mathematics, and introduction to psychology. Students must complete a total of 41 credit hours to graduate from the program.
Admission criteria:
- Attend a personalized interview with an admissions representative
- Submit a completed application
- Take a placement evaluation
- A high school diploma or GED – official transcripts required
- Complete the standardized assessments
- Provide documentation of a recent physical exam and a drug screen
- Submit to a criminal background check
Tuition for the program costs $27,252. Books and supplies cost $2,700.
- Website: https://www.bryantstratton.edu/degrees/diplomas/practical-nursing-diploma
- Address: 8141 Hull Street Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
- Phone: 804-745-2444
- Email: riccontactcampus@bryantstratton.edu
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: NA
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.