Information About Our Practical Nursing Program in St. Louis, Missouri
Our Practical Nursing Program
Fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, Applied Technology Services offers a one-year Practical Nursing program at North Tech in Florissant and South Tech in Sunset Hills. This comprehensive program will prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN exam which is the final step in attaining your license as a Practical Nurse however, graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee eligibility with the Missouri State Board of Nursing to take the licensure exam.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
Often, LPN’s provide basic bedside care such as measuring and recording patients’ height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. To help keep patients comfortable, they also assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, walking and might also feed patients who need help eating.
LPNs gather information from patients, including their health history and how they are currently feeling. They may use this information to complete insurance forms, pre-authorizations, and referrals, and they share information with registered nurses and doctors to help determine the best course of care for a patient.
Most LPNs are generalists and work in all areas of health care. However, some work in a specialized setting, such as a nursing home, a doctor’s office, or in home health care. LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they may be responsible for making appointments, and performing clerical duties. LPNs who work in home health care may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
To learn more about the Practical Nursing field (including the LPN employment outlook) from the U.S. Department of Labor (CIP Code 51.3901) click here.