Nebraska LPN School

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  January 22nd, 2010

LPN Education in Nebraska

Nationwide, the need for qualified nurses has never been higher due to the anticipated health care needs of an aging population, and Nebraska is no exception.  The Nebraska Center for Nursing projects shortages of Licensed Practical Nurses at eight percent starting in 2006, steadily increasing to almost 23 percent in 2020 (nehca.org).  This may be bad news for the state’s health care industry, but good news for anyone considering a career as a LPN.  Nebraska graduates can look forward to average annual salaries ranging from $35,000 in Lincoln to $40,000 in Omaha according to ihirenursing.com.  Those salaries are likely to increase, as it is widely believed that pay rates will have to be raised throughout the country to attract and retain qualified LPNs and RNs (Registered Nurses).

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) occupy health care’s front lines, providing one-on-one patient care, through frequent, direct contact with patients.  People who are observant, good decision-makers, effective communicators and possess a caring, sympathetic nature tend to do well as LPNs.  Formal education is a must.  Nebraska requires licensed practical nurse candidates to graduate from a state-approved program offered online or through campus based Nebraska LPN schools.  This is satisfied by one year of education, usually at a technical school or community college.  Most practical nursing programs include both classroom study and supervised clinical patient care.  Classroom subjects include anatomy, physiology, medical-surgery nursing, psychiatric nursing, administration of drugs, nutrition and first aid.  Clinical practice typically takes place in hospitals, but may include other types of patient care environments.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue and Grand Island, Nebraska may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Bryan LGH Medical Center, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, Alegent Healthcare and Blue Cross of Nebraska.