LPN/LVN Additional Certifications

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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

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

I know my college offers a foot care specialty course, an IV specialty course and an Immunization specialty course all for certified LPNs!!

I plan on taking the IV course and the Immunization course after I have a few months to a year on the job after graduation :)

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antidote said:
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

Have you considered doing MDS?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am just curious...what benefits does the pharmacology certification offer to us?

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Dialysis, OR Tech Specialty, Ortho Tech specialty tags are also available.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
pagandeva2000 said:
I am just curious...what benefits does the pharmacology certification offer to us? Thanks for sharing the information with us!

Hello, pagandeva,

Certification shows that you have added knowledge in an area. Pharmacology certification shows that you have added knowledge in medication administration and patient education. This can be a boon for those seeking positions where the LPN will be pushing IV drugs. Also, educating the patient on their drugs, etc. Many entities look for the LPN who has this certification.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
siri said:
Hello, pagandeva,

Certification shows that you have added knowledge in an area. Pharmacology certification shows that you have added knowledge in medication administration and patient education. This can be a boon for those seeking positions where the LPN will be pushing IV drugs. Also, educating the patient on their drugs, etc. Many entities look for the LPN who has this certification.

Thanks for the insight. I will inquire about it and consider taking it up. I have always had an obession with pharmacology since my actual class was a complete disaster. Since then, I have acquired so many textbooks for cheap on the subject that I went on overdrive. Now, thinking about it...I will, in fact do it before the year is out. Does this consist of attending a class? Or is this all on line as it appears? I will look more into the web sites when I get home from work this evening...and I really appreciate your list of items you shared.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
pagandeva2000 said:
Thanks for the insight. I will inquire about it and consider taking it up. I have always had an obsession with pharmacology since my actual class was a complete disaster. Since then, I have acquired so many textbooks for cheap on the subject that I went on overdrive. Now, thinking about it...I will, in fact do it before the year is out. Does this consist of attending a class? Or is this all on line as it appears? I will look more into the web sites when I get home from work this evening...and I really appreciate your list of items you shared.

The certification does not include pre-cert pharmacology course. You will need to seek out a program if that is something you wish to do. Here are a couple links with online pharm courses. You will need to see which one suits your needs and qualifications:

http://www.elearners.com/search/courses/pharmacology.htm online pharm courses

Napnes offers certification preparation books and help. just contact them:

http://www.napnes.org/etraining/contact.php

Good luck!!!!!

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Hi all,

Just had my lpn curriculum certified by the illinois department of professional regulations and after a few more hurdles should be up and running!!! Anyway, in illinois it is now mandatory that all LPN programs teach both medication and iv therapy. At one time lpn’s in illinois had to go back to get their medication certification and then iv certification. After this any certification would be after licensure and up to each person. Just like any rn, further certification can give someone more knowledge and expertise in any field.

Hope this helps.

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I've heard that LPNs can be "certified" in various specialties (IV Therapy, for instance). True?

If so, where do you get these certs, and how many are available? Are they worth the time, effort and extra $$?

Mike

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I'm certified in hospice and palliative care. I was able to get almost 3k more because I'm certified. Not only that, it's the personal satisfaction I get for going beyond what is expected. I especially like it when one of my pts ask me when the letters behind my name mean.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Mike, check out this thread on the topic:

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