LPNs are sought locally, state-wide, and nationally to work in acute care, outpatient clinic, and long term care settings The Idaho Statewide Survey of Health Workforce Vacancies, August 16, 2001 report verifies a state-wide shortage of LPNs. This semi-annual survey identified 47 unfilled LPN positions during a one year time frame. In June 2001, twenty-one local facilities that employ LPNs responded to a LCSC Division of Nursing survey indicating an average of 1.8 open LPN positions each, for a total of 38 openings among them. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that given current trends, the U.S. will experience a 20% shortage of nurses by 2020.

The purpose of the program is to educate nurses who will provide patient care as licensed practical nurses in structured healthcare settings. Such practice may include bedside care of acutely ill patients, care to residents in long term care facilities, or care of clients in a clinic or medical office.  In addition to basic preparation, students receive advanced education in intravenous therapy techniques.

Potential practical nursing students must complete or be enrolled in the prerequisite classes to apply for admission into the program.  November 1 is the application deadline; students begin in the AAS-PN program the following spring semester. The program is completed in 16 months of full-time attendance. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination: Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).

For specific information about the Practical Nursing Program, contact Geni Mertsching, RN, MSN, CNE, Practical Nursing Program Director/Assistant Professor at 208-792-2688 or via e-mail at glmertsching@lcsc.edu.