by
Karen Crone, RN
There are various academic programs and levels
of education to become a licensed registered nurse
(RN). Once you pass your academic and didactic
training, you will need to pass the board on nursing
exam in your state to become licensed. This license
is renewed according to the requirements in your
state. Additional training (CEU’s) may be
necessary to renew your license.
Levels
of Nursing
·
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – LPNs require
less intensive academic training and work under
the supervision of a RN. They focus mainly on
basic bedside care. Practical nurse training can
be obtained in high school programs, accredited
vocational schools and community colleges. Upon
completion of the course (generally about one
year of training), you must pass the state administered
nursing exam for LPN. LPNs are also called LVNS
(licensed vocational nurse).
·
Registered Nurse (RN) – RN programs are
more academic in nature and require intensive
study of the health sciences. There are 3 educational
programs – a diploma program, an Associates
Degree in Nursing or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing.
The diploma programs are offered at hospitals
and are usually 3 year programs. Associate and
bachelor programs are offered at universities
and colleges. All graduates of any of these programs
must successfully complete the same state licensing
nursing board exam of the state in which they
are seeking employment.
Licensing
and Credentialing
All nurses must maintain an active license in
the state in which they are employed. The only
exception to this is if the nurse is working for
a federal facility. In this case, he or she may
work on the active license they are holding in
any state. For a nurse that is trained out of
the country, to work in the United States, they
must become licensed in the state they wish to
work. Generally, this requires passing the NCLEX
test.
Once licensed, a nurse may be required to take
continuing education courses. This is determined
state by state. Some states also require that
the nurse take special classes prior to their
licensure renewal. Every state has different requirements.
There are additional courses that RNs may take
to become certified in specific areas of practice.
For instance, there is additional training required
to work in the operating room, intensive care
units or other critical care units. These courses
may be offered at the hospitals or sponsored by
various nursing organizations. It is highly recommended
that nurses become active in their nursing organizations
to ensure that they remain updated on training,
requirements and current practice.
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