LPN/LVN Additional Certifications

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I know that you guys (LPN/LVN's) can now get a load of other certifications on top of your LPN license. I know that you can get your IV certifications and oxygen and what not, but what are some of the other possibilities for an LPN?

It makes me feel silly not knowing these things as a nurse with 3 years experience or more, but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask! I try to focus on the medication and patient care part

Specializes in Geri, Pedi, Trauma, OR, Rehab, MH, OP.

Ok, first of all hello to all and Im new here. This was the first thread I read up on, but not completely. I am floored honestly, that you can have certifications in all the areas listed here? I have experience and have performed most of what is listed, for the past five years. You mean to tell me that I could actually have this experience put into a certificate or added to my license? Do you HAVE to take classes, or do inservices with experience count? Im honestly in shock at this, and a little peturbed. All of these things we are just expected to do here and I definately dont mind, but whoa. I work a small hospital in Texas and basically the only thing I have not done due to legal reasons, but I have watched and helped...... is the actual hanging of blood. We are basically an acute care/swingbed/end of life/ and trauma facility, but the LVNs do basically anything.

I hope what Im reading is something I can make into a very positive thing in my income as Im looking to move to a larger town at the moment.

So, I guess my question is......do I have to take actual classes to get these credits?

thanks

1 Votes
Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.
brashis2008 said:
Ok, first of all hello to all and Im new here. This was the first thread I read up on, but not completely. I am floored honestly, that you can have certifications in all the areas listed here? I have experience and have performed most of what is listed, for the past five years. You mean to tell me that I could actually have this experience put into a certificate or added to my license? Do you HAVE to take classes, or do inservices with experience count? Im honestly in shock at this, and a little peturbed. All of these things we are just expected to do here and I definately dont mind, but whoa. I work a small hospital in Texas and basically the only thing I have not done due to legal reasons, but I have watched and helped...... is the actual hanging of blood. We are basically an acute care/swingbed/end of life/ and trauma facility, but the LVNs do basically anything.

I hope what Im reading is something I can make into a very positive thing in my income as Im looking to move to a larger town at the moment.

So, I guess my question is......do I have to take actual classes to get these credits?

thanks

Ok, example such as becoming wound care certified. you have to have worked doing wound care for two years, there are two ways then of passing a nationally certified test. one you can study for it on your own. There is no one book which the test questions are from, it is several books. The other way, there is a four day workshop which acts as a review, after which you then take your test. the cost of the 4 day work shop plus test is around $3,000.00 it is offered in various places in the country. Once you pass you are then in a national registry. To study on your own and take the test is which you attend, there is a written test at the end which is around $500.00.

As to Iv certification there is a 30 hour class, with a written test and skills demonstration cost anywhere between $150.00-$300.00 There is also an 80 hour class. I have not done the 80 hour class so I can not tell you much about it.

1 Votes
Specializes in LTC.
Fiona59 said:
LPNs are employed at the Cancer Facilities in the province of Alberta. We handle carcinogenics.

I don't know about the US.

I have a couple of LVN friends here in Texas who work at an onclolgy facility.:nurse:

1 Votes

Hello all,

Regarding the question about IV certification: If Florida does not "allow" LPNs to start IV's, what advantage would there be to take the IV therapy certification course? A few of my classmates (we graduated in Aug.) are planning to take this course, but I am curious as to whether its worth it or not. Anyone know?

1 Votes
Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.
mewsacct said:
Hello all,

Regarding the question about IV certification: If Florida does not "allow" LPNs to start IV's, what advantage would there be to take the IV therapy certification course? A few of my classmates (we graduated in Aug.) are planning to take this course, but I am curious as to whether its worth it or not. Anyone know?

I am allowed to start IV in the hospital I work at in Florida. Each institution can be different in what it allows.

1 Votes

lpnflorida,

thank you for your reply. :)

1 Votes
Specializes in L&D, Orthopedics & Public Health.
mewsacct said:
Hello all,

Regarding the question about IV certification: If Florida does not "allow" LPNs to start IV's, what advantage would there be to take the IV therapy certification course? A few of my classmates (we graduated in Aug.) are planning to take this course, but I am curious as to whether its worth it or not. Anyone know?

I see what you are saying, but what if you move to another state, it is always good to have that. The program I graduated from, the IV certification was part of the program. Good Luck

1 Votes

I'm an LPN. I of course am BLS certified. Also ACLS,PALS,IV start, Central Line certified. Have been Certified by DOH to place and read PPD. Also am CEP in Department.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Aside from expanding your knowledge base, what are the advantages of an lpn/lvn acquiring certifications? Do they qualify us for higher salaries?

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I am so glad someone posted all the certifications info..When I get my LPN I want to check into some of this information.

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Regarding additional certifications,

We found a program called Nursing Unlimited that provides all kinds of classes. The cost is reasonable and there are many locations and times the classes are held (in our case, IV certification). Just google nursing unlimited and see if anything like it comes up in your area (I live in South Florida). Also, you don't have to be licensed to take the course, but they did tell me if I am not licensed when I take the class, I cannot use it for credit "down the line" when renewal times comes.

1 Votes
Specializes in Adult ICU/PICU/NICU.

I have ACLS, PALS, NRP. You absolutely must have these things to work in the units where I work. I don't get any extra pay for them, they are just part of the requirements for my skills check every year.

One of my LPN colleagues is a CGN, a Certified Gastroenterology Nurse, who works in the GI clinic and is one of the ostomy nurses in house. Apparently, they are no longer allowing LPNs to obtain this certification anymore and can not renew it. Fortunately she will be allowed to keep her job but will no longer be allowed to sign as as CGN.

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