Hey there! This guide covers everything you need to launch an exciting and meaningful nursing career right here in our Palm Bay community. Keep reading to learn all about accredited LPN training programs, potential career paths, plus actionable tips to kickstart your education.
Nursing Shortages Fueling LPN Job Growth
First, let’s look at the key stats. The healthcare sector urgently requires nursing professionals to care for Florida’s rapidly growing senior population.
According to the Florida Center for Nursing, over 50% of nurses in the state reach retirement age within the next 15 years. And as cases of chronic illnesses rise, nurse staffing shortfalls could reach over 50,000 by the year 2035.
Source: Florida Center for Nursing, Nurse Workforce Projections: 2020 to 2035
This new demand means abundant opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) like yourself. These frontline caregivers provide basic medical services under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
LPNs benefit from accessible education pathways, improved career prospects, and better compensation as clinics compete for talent.
Why Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Pursing an LPN career lets you jumpstart your nursing career fast. With just 12 months of college-level training, you gain the skills needed for entry-level nursing positions across the country.
Other advantages include:
- Meaningful work providing hands-on patient care
- Strong job stability in a growing healthcare field
- Accessible education with faster completion and lower costs than RN degrees
- Flexible schedules often available (full-time, part-time, per diem)
- Opportunities to specialize over time and advance within the nursing field
As an LPN, you’ll provide close support monitoring changes in patient health. Daily tasks involve:
- Recording vital signs like blood pressure, respiration rates
- Administering injections and medications
- Assisting with medical tests and specimen collection
- Changing dressings and providing wound care
- Feeding patients and helping with personal hygiene
- Closely tracking responses to medications and treatments
- Communicating with care teams to coordinate patient-centered care
LPNs can work in diverse medical settings like hospitals, private practices, long-term care facilities, clinics, schools, and even private homes. Patients rely on LPNs of all ages and backgrounds, making this a welcoming career for both recent grads as well as mature workers with professional experience in other fields.
And with Florida’s aging population fueling new demand every year, skilled LPNs who demonstrate strong capabilities have significant room for advancement over time.
How to Become an LPN in Palm Bay: Step-by-Step
If helping provide empathetic, professional nursing care sounds appealing, use this step-by-step guide to get underway!
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
First, you’ll need to complete high school or pass your GED tests. Taking science, psychology, and nutrition courses also helps prepare for nursing-focused coursework.
Some LPN programs allow you to complete remaining HS credits concurrently with college-level classes. Check with your local schools to learn more.
Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited LPN Training Program
Here in Palm Bay, we have several accredited colleges and technical schools offering 1-year LPN certificates, including:
- Brevard Nursing Academy
- Jay College
- Horizon Health Care Institute
These intensive programs mix traditional classes with supervised clinical training at regional hospitals and clinics.
You‘ll take courses covering core competencies like:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of nursing practice
- Medical terminology
- Nutrition science
- Geriatric, pediatric, obstetric and mental health nursing
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Hands-on clinical training across medical departments
Reputable programs also provide exam preparation to help you master the nursing licensure exams after graduation.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-PN and Become Licensed
In order to practice as an LPN, Florida requires that you pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and apply for registered nursing licensure through the Department of Health.
Be sure to allot plenty of time for intensive NCLEX studying beforehand! Those who prepare vigorously have a much smoother testing and licensing experience.
Here’s a quick NCLEX-PN overview:
- Computerized exam with 85 multiple choice questions
- Covers nursing knowledge on injury treatment, pharmacology, medical procedures, mental health, and more
- 5 hour time limit (additional break time allowed)
- Can take the test up to 8 times but many pass on their first attempt
Once you pass and submit your licensing application, you’ll receive an official Registered Nursing license number in order to start applying for local nursing jobs!
Step 4: Search for Palm Bay Nursing Job Openings
Major medical providers constantly hire qualified LPNs here in Palm Bay:
| Facility | Services |
|---|---|
| Health First Palm Bay Hospital | Acute care, cancer, heart health, orthopedics, NICU and more |
| Rockledge Regional Medical Center | Emergency, cardiovascular, neurology, oncology, pediatrics |
| Sabal Palms Nursing Home | Skilled nursing facility providing rehabilitation and elderly care |
| Gemini Home Care | In-home nursing assistance |
I highly recommend creating profiles on Nurses.com and BluePipes to unlock access to 1,000s of local job postings. These sites allow you to set precise job alerts so you’re notified of new openings matching your skills and interests!
Step 5: Consider Ongoing Education and Specializations
Many LPNs pursue specialty certifications or continue towards RN degrees while working. In-demand focus areas include dialysis, oncology, pediatric care, and gerontology.
Further nursing credentials increase your earnings potential and allow you to take on greater care responsibilities over time. Ambitious LPNs can progress into supervisor, instructor or administrative roles.
Several local hospitals even offer tuition reimbursement incentives to help cover your ongoing nursing education!
Spotlight: Brevard Nursing Academy
Now that you know the general LPN career roadmap, let’s spotlight one of Palm Bay’s top nursing schools!
Brevard Nursing Academy (BNA) offers an intensive 12-month certificate program to prepare compassionate nurses. Their new high-tech campus opened right here in Palm Bay just last year.
Why Choose BNA for Your LPN Training?
- Renowned for graduates‘ 90% first-time NCLEX exam pass rate
- Small class sizes (just 12 nursing students) ensure personalized support
- Over 200 combined years of nursing experience among BNA faculty
- Fully-equipped simulation labs mimic hospital settings for practical learning
- Clinical placements across the Health First network’s premier regional facilities
- Robust job placement assistance – 90% employed within 6 months post-graduation!
Many students choose Brevard Nursing Academy due to their cutting-edge technologies and specialization in simulation-based education. Nursing graduate Amanda Hill remarks:
"The high-tech mannequins at BNA’s simulation labs set them apart from other local programs. You get to master inserting IVs, responding to emergencies codes, and assessing vital signs across realistic hospital scenarios. I felt fully prepared when working alongside doctors and RNs during clinical trainings."
The data supports these glowing testimonials: BNA students consistently demonstrate exceptional clinical capabilities after graduation. Now celebrating their fifth anniversary in Palm Bay, they‘ve earned a reputation as one of Florida’s foremost nursing schools.
Financial Aid Options for Aspiring LPNs
Investing in nursing education pays dividends over the course of your career. Nonetheless, many students need assistance covering program costs.
In 2020, average annual LPN program tuition reached $14,900 nationwide, per RegisteredNursing.org. Thankfully, many options exist to help finance your training:
Federal Student Aid
All accredited LPN programs qualify for federal grants and low-interest loans. Submit your FAFSA application to access funding like:
- Federal Pell Grants: ~$6,895 max per year
- Federal Direct Loans: $9,500 yearly + additional unsubsidized based on financial need
Florida Bright Futures
Residents who complete high school with strong GPAs and test scores can earn full or partial scholarships, including:
- Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Covers 100% tuition + fees for 4 years
- Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Covers 75% tuition + fees for 4 years
School Payment Plans
Most nursing schools offer personalized payment schedule options so students can cover program fees over time. This prevents large up-front expenditures.
Nursing Scholarships
National groups like the National League for Nursing offer $5,000+ scholarships and grants specifically for nursing students. Also check with your hospital and local civic groups for opportunities.
So in summary – you have many options to fund your LPN training even if you’re just starting out!
Rewarding Nursing Careers Await in Palm Bay
Our Palm Bay community offers growing opportunities to launch your nursing career and make a true impact caring for those needing support. As the regional population ages and expands, healthcare employers clamor for talented, empathetic nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurses provide critical services that allow patients to regain strength and independence. It’s meaningful work that challenges you both technically and emotionally. No two days look the same!
With abundant job openings, signing bonuses, flexible shift options and advancement potential, nursing represents a stable long-term career choice. LPN programs like Brevard Nursing Academy offer accessible training so you can get underway quickly.
As you consider next steps, feel free to reach out with any questions! I’m always glad to offer encouragement or guide you towards helpful resources. Wishing you tremendous success launching a caring, purpose-driven nursing career!