Understanding the Importance of LPNs

With an aging population and an over-populated society in general, it’s safe to say the healthcare industry is not getting any smaller. Combine that with broader access to health insurance courtesy of government legislation, and it’s easy to see why qualified medical personnel are in high demand. And if you take a closer look within the healthcare industry, the demand is even higher for nurses. And why not? It’s been said that behind every awesome doctor is an amazing nurse. Or more accurately, a lot of amazing nurses. But one size does not fit all when it comes to nursing and there are a variety of career paths to choose from if you are contemplating a future as a nursing professional. One nursing designation that has become more important than ever in the healthcare industry is the licensed practical nurse or LPN. And there are a number of reasons why.

• Less is sometimes more – Less time to complete a nursing program = less cost and more nurses to provide critical support faster where they are needed.
• Coming up short – RN’s are often in shorter supply in certain parts of the country and are responsible for providing much more direct support to physicians that often requires more medical training than an LPN. The result – not enough nurses to see to the less complex tasks of administering medication, checking vital signs and other important duties.
• Best of both worlds – An LPN DOES have some medical training making them a versatile team player who can fill in gaps in care where RNs are understaffed or overworked.
• Covering most of the bases – With more people living longer and an aging population, more generalized nursing care is needed in nursing homes, rehab facilities, clinics – everywhere. The fact is the LPN is able to perform many of the same duties of an RN, which is ideal for healthcare facilities that are on a shoestring budget.

The title of licensed practical nurse is a fitting one when you consider how practical it is to have as many LPNs on hand as possible! The versatile LPN can fill in the gaps of care and keep things running smoothly at any facility requiring nursing skills. If you’ve always wanted to get your feet wet in the nursing profession, an LPN education is a great place to start. Another great place to start is the Nursing Program at Daytona College.

Daytona College is helping students get the comprehensive training they need to join the rapidly growing healthcare industry. With hands-on instruction at clinical healthcare facilities, flexible schedules and the support of experienced instructors, you’ll graduate with a degree in Practical Nursing and will be prepared to take the NCLEX Licensing Exam. But perhaps more importantly, you’ll be ready to start making a living, while you make a difference in people’s lives. What could be better than that? Call Daytona College today to learn more or to schedule a tour of our campus.