Fast track LPN programs, or accelerated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs, are programs that may be completed in as little as six months.
You may be eligible for a fast-track LPN program if you are a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or have some college credits.
These credits will help you take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
More so, this article will provide some details about fast-track programs and some practical advice on being a successful nurse. You’ll have a great time if you keep reading!
Requirements for the Fast Track LPN Program:
- To enroll in an accelerated LPN program, you’ll need to pass a criminal clearance and medical screening.
- You’ll also need to take a nurse assisting training course if you don’t already have your CNA certification.
- You must have a legitimate LPN license to participate in an LPN-to-RN program. Pre-admission exams, such as those conducted by the National League for Nursing, are also required. You can take this test to see whether you’re eligible or not for an accelerated LPN to RN program.
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The Fast Track LPN Program’s Curriculum:
Fast track LPN programs typically include two courses that focus on the practical nursing skills required for licensure.
This program prepares you for a wide range of clinical settings, including long-term and urgent care facilities, where you will be able to work with people of all ages.
Key areas of medicine like anatomy, mental health, and nursing care strategies will all be part of your education.
Meanwhile, to become a registered nurse, an LPN must learn the technical concepts and judgment skills that distinguish RNs from LPNs.
You won’t have to re-learn the fundamentals of nursing in this program. As a substitute, you’ll enroll in more challenging classes that expand on the foundation you have already laid in college.
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Fast track Licensed-Practical-Nurse to Registered-Nurse programs:
Several programs help LPNs become RNs in an accelerated manner.
You can use your LPN credits and other academic courses when pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
It is possible to earn an accelerated ADN in only one year and an accelerated BSN degree in just two years rather than the customary two and four years, respectively, once you have a Fast Track LPN certification.
Nevertheless, to become a registered nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which you can be prepared for by finishing an accelerated LPN-to-RN program.
How to excel in the field of nursing:
Nursing is one of the world’s most well-regarded and prestigious occupations. When it comes to their dedication to the well-being of mankind, their efforts are lauded and rewarded.
Even though the job is physically and emotionally demanding, the rewards are substantial. As a result, you’ll need to develop a set of relevant talents for the hospital.
Most often, these skills become an integral character trait. In other cases, you’ll have to continually improve your abilities and pick up new ones.
The following are just a few of the essential things you will need to do to succeed in your career as a licensed or registered nurse.
1. Get a handle on how to cluster your care:
Providing linked patient care in a group setting is referred to as “clustered care” in the nursing profession.
If you’re going to administer a vaccine and a regular checkup to a patient shortly, you’ll want to have all of your materials ready to go at the same time.
Clustering your care makes it easier for you to accomplish your job responsibilities.
2. Look for a role model:
Coaching programs are available in some hospitals and health centers for emerging medical professionals. Enroll in a mentorship program at work if it is available.
New or growing nurses can benefit from mentorship in many ways, including connecting with other healthcare professionals, acquiring new skills or ideas, obtaining counseling, and more.
In the absence of a comprehensive mentoring program at your place of work, you may want to look for a mentor on your own.
Seek out a nurse in your place of employment whose abilities and knowledge you respect, and spend time studying what they do to learn how to be a better nurse.
3. Stay up to date on the latest medical news:
Stay current on the most recent developments in nursing, medicine, and other related fields. Being aware of the latest nursing or medical discoveries will aid you in furthering your professional development.
Today’s health care information can be kept up-to-date in various ways.
In addition to reading your hospital bulletins, chatting with your co-workers, going to meetings and lectures, or other networking activities like webinars, you can also subscribe to journal articles and email newsletters that highlight current nursing journal articles.
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4. Don’t shy away from asking questions:
Seek medical advice or a fellow nurse if you have questions regarding a technique or a patient’s care plan. Realize your shortcomings and learn to ask for assistance whenever you need it.
A little extra time spent on your work will benefit both your patients and your healthcare department in the long run.
5. Be a voice for the voiceless:
Make an effort to speak up in favor of your patients. When a patient’s desires are communicated to their family members, nurses are responsible on their behalf.
If a patient’s requests disagree with a doctor’s medication regimen or suggestions, nurses may also speak for their patients.
If you want to improve as a nurse, you might want to go to seminars or get a credential in inpatient or healthcare advocacy.
6. Be Calm:
Nursing is a profession that requires dealing with stressful events regularly. Try to avoid becoming overwhelmed and instead remain calm.
Keeping your cool when things are hectic can help you do your job better and take better care of your patients.
7. Focus on the tiniest details:
A skilled nurse can pick up on subtle shifts or features in their clients, co-workers, or workplace culture. Observe your patients’ attitudes, behaviors, and signs of change.
Attention to detail is very important for making sure that patients get the right amount of medicine and keeping track of their vital signs.
8. Create a plan for yourself:
During a single shift, nurses frequently accomplish a wide range of responsibilities. Make a plan for yourself, such as a daily or weekly checklist, to help you manage your tasks properly and quietly.
Ask your co-workers if they have any time-management or administrative tips to share to help you manage your workload better.
9. Invest in additional education:
Continuing your education as a nurse is a terrific way to develop in the field. The field of geriatrics is one in which some nurses choose to specialize.
Other nurses obtain certificates in nursing skills that could be useful in various professions, such as health risk management, to expand their career options.
You could also elect to continue to nursing school and achieve the requirements for a more sophisticated nursing degree, depending on your present nursing license.
You may want to explore returning to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), for instance, if you are already an RN (LPN).
10. Become a leader:
Nurses that want to move up in the profession typically demonstrate initiative in their work. Seek out chances to demonstrate your leadership abilities in your medical facility of choice.
You could also help a doctor by, for example, taking on extra jobs outside of your normal patient care duties.
11. Take advantage of the expertise of others in the medical field:
It’s important to strike a balance between being a leader and contributing to the success of your medical team. Assist medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses, with their duties.
Make it clear to new nurses that you’re available if they have any questions about the nursing profession.
12. Empathize with your patients:
A nurse’s job entails caring for a wide range of patients with varying demands, histories, and medical conditions.
A patient’s situation and problems are unique, and a good nurse may show empathy. Patients like it when their doctors show empathy and listen to their concerns or complaints.
13. Treat your patients with respect, regardless of their condition:
Nurses sometimes help patients fulfill their own needs.
In some cases, you may be asked to assist your patients with eating, bathing, walking, or other activities. Use these personal care items with dignity and respect for your patients.
14. Take care of yourself:
Taking care of yourself daily is essential to your success as a nurse. Do your best to stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet no matter how hectic your shifts become.
When you’re not working, try to get a lot of rest, hang out with friends and family, and do things that have nothing to do with nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions on Fast Track LPN Programs:
12 months
A diploma in practical nursing can be earned in as little as a year, while an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing (ADN/ASN or BSN) can take up to two years.
16 months
Three semesters
Conclusion:
Fast trackLPN programs, or accelerated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs, are programs that may be completed in as little as six months.
They are meant to help an aspiring registered nurse get ready to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
However, becoming a successful nurse goes beyond completing and obtaining a license. Thus, the tips provided in this article will help you excel in your professional nursing career.
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