Montana may conjure up images of a state that is covered in mountains, but in reality, only about a third of the state, on the western end, is mountainous. The rest is prairie and badlands. However, Montana is still considered one of the most beautiful states because of its national parks like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, which attract lot of tourism. If you, however, are not a tourist but rather reside in Montana and are interested in pursuing the profession of an LPN in Montana, continue reading to find sections of information on educational programs, job duties, Montana licensing requirements, and Montana schools that may offer Practical Nursing classes, courses, or programs.
Practical Nurse Schooling – A General Overview
LPN programs in Montana typically consist of both practical and theoretical components. Students might have to take courses in general education, like psychology and math, as well as nursing classes that cover a number of medical topics. Since many of these courses also include practical skills (such as taking blood pressure, giving injections, etc.), labs often accompany them. In the lab, students can practice skills on mannequins, or sometimes on other students. Instructors are usually present to watch over the students and offer help when needed. Also, students are usually offered clinicals during LPN schooling programs; clinicals are blocks of time when students work out in the field, performing various LPN tasks to get a taste of being an LPN and to build skill. Usually, LPN duties during clinicals will begin as a lighter load, and students may take on an increasing amount of responsibility as time goes on. This experience working in an actual medical setting prepares students for their first LPNg job after graduation.
Montana LPN Job Duties
Hospitals and community clinics are just some of the places that LPNs in Montana be employed. Because of the wide variety of employers, LPNs also perform a very wide variety of job duties, which may differ from place to place. LPNs may perform certain tasks in one location but not another; for instance, bottlefeeding infants takes place in the NICU, but not in a nursing home for the elderly. Along the same lines, moving patients from a lying position (such as in a bed) to a sitting position (such as in a wheelchair) may take place in a nursing home, but not in the NICU. Other examples things that LPNs may do might include helping patients at their bedside, and keeping track of the status of their health. Specific examples of bedside care can include bathing and dressing patients, helping them with their personal hygiene, and making sure wounds cared for and bandages are clean. Examples of tracking the health status of patients might be things like recording vital signs, such as blood pressure or body temperature, and pulse, and recording these signs on the patient’s chart. LPNs may also be a line of communication between the physician and patient regarding the patient’s healthcare and health status. Examples of other duties that LPNs may perform include administering medication via injection or orally, filling out different paperwork (such as insurance forms), and supervising aides or assistants. Finally, some duties require an LPN to be specially educated, and if an LPN has been schooled or certified in those areas, the LPN may be able to perform those duties.
Information about Montana LPN Licensing Requirements
There are specific requirements that practical nurse applicants in Montana must meet in order to be licensed by the Montana Board of Nursing. Some requirements follow, but not every situation is detailed here. For more information on unique scenarios (such as out-of-state LPN schooling or foreign applicants), visit the Montana Board of Nursing website.
Practical nurse applicants in Montana need to have completed an approved Licensed Practical Nurse schooling program and submit an online application, which is accessible at the Board of Nursing’s website. They must also send in an application fee. Applicants must register to take the NCLEX; if the Montana Board of Nursing approves the person’s application, they will then get an authorization to take the test and will be able to schedule a time to take the NCLEX. If the NCLEX is successfully passed and the applicant has fulfilled all requirements, he or she may receive a practical nursing license from the Montana Board of Nursing.
The NCLEX is the primary test that LPNs must take and pass in order to become licensed. Each exam is unique, and examinees may not be asked the same questions as one another. Examinees are usually allotted approximately six hours to take the test. Again, for more information about the application process, requirements, or unique situations, visit the Montana Board of Nursing’s website linked earlier in this section.
Montana Schools and Community Colleges
The following are various schools in Montana where you may find LPN programs or schooling.
City College
3803 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102
(406) 247-3000
Dawson Community College
300 College Dr, Glendive, Mt 59330
(406) 377-3396
Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, Mt 59901
(406) 756-3822
Great Falls College
2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405
(406) 771-4300
Helena College
1115 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59601
(406) 447-6900
Miles Community College
2715 Dickinson St, Miles City, Mt 59301
(406) 874-6100
Missoula College
909 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 243-7811
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