LPN Programs in Missouri
Program Description
The LPN program can help start a career in the healthcare sector. It is offered at a number of community colleges and schools of technical and vocational training, taking on average a year to complete. LPN programs in Missouri offer both theoretical knowledge and practical training as part of their curriculum. The theoretical knowledge focuses on subjects like biology, nursing and pharmacology while the practical training is in the form of supervised healthcare experience. These two components prepare candidates for providing high quality basic medical care to patients at healthcare facilities. An applicant for the LPN program in Missouri must have a high school degree. Once the program is successfully completed, a diploma or certificate is awarded to the candidates making them eligible to apply for licensure with the Missouri Board of Nursing. To start practice, applicants must obtain a CPR card and clear the NCLEX-PN examination.
Duties of an LPN
LPNs are responsible for giving basic medical care to patients at healthcare facilities and work under the supervision of RNs and doctors. Their duties include:
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Providing basic care to patients like helping them dress and bathe, changing bandages and administering injections
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Monitoring and recording patients health
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Communicating the patients’ concerns to doctors
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Preparing patients for diagnostic tests
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Monitoring vital signs like blood pressure and heartbeat
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Providing pre- and post-operative care to patients
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Administering medication
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Complying with the Nurse Practice Act
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Spreading awareness about illness and disease prevention to patients
Work Environment
LPNs work in a variety of healthcare and medical settings which include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Nursing care facilities
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Hospitals
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Private clinics
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Diagnostic labs
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Residential healthcare services
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Offices of physicians.
Job Outlook and Salary Information for LPNs
As Missouri is a predominantly rural state with a few metropolitan areas like St. Louis, the cost of living varies across the region. Although due to the shortage of healthcare staff throughout the country, there is a rising demand for LPNs but their median salary is lower in Missouri because of the low cost of living. Those working in metropolitan cities can possibly earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the annual mean wage of LPNs in Missouri ranges from $21,400 to $37,880 per year for the year 2013, while the median wage in the country is $41,540 per year.
Career Options
Most LPNs in Missouri looking to advance their careers in nursing choose either of the following two options:
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RN Program- this program enables LPNs to further develop their skills in the field of nursing by acquiring more knowledge and practical experience. Working LPNs can also enroll in this program.
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BSN Program- this program enables aspiring nurses to pursue a professional degree in nursing which provides them with in-depth knowledge about the field. It takes on average four years to complete.