LPN Classes, Courses, and Curriculum

Introduction to Practical Nursing and the Healthcare Team
This course introduces students to the nursing profession, the history of healthcare, and the role of the LPN in today’s interdisciplinary care environment.

Topics include:

• History and evolution of nursing, including key figures like Florence Nightingale
• Scope of practice for LPNs and delegation protocols
• Overview of healthcare systems and patient care settings
• The nursing process: Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation
• Developing therapeutic communication and professional boundaries
• Collaborating with RNs, physicians, therapists, and other care team members

Legal, Ethical, and Cultural Considerations in Nursing
This course prepares students to understand their legal responsibilities and uphold ethical standards while providing culturally competent care.

Key topics:

• State Nurse Practice Acts and the role of the Board of Nursing
• HIPAA, informed consent, and patient rights
• Mandatory reporting for abuse and neglect
• Ethical dilemmas and principles (e.g., autonomy, justice)
• Diversity and cultural sensitivity in care delivery
• Addressing health disparities through inclusive nursing practices

Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses
Understanding the human body and its functions is essential for clinical decision-making.

Covered material:

• Basic cell biology and tissue types
• Structure and function of major organ systems
• Normal physiological processes and homeostasis
• Common pathologies and their effects on the body
• Medical terminology and abbreviations

Patient Assessment and Vital Signs
This class teaches LPN students to gather accurate patient data for diagnosis and care planning.

Focus areas:

• Interviewing techniques and health history collection
• Performing systematic head-to-toe physical assessments
• Taking and interpreting vital signs
• Using pain scales and risk assessments
• Identifying and reporting abnormal findings

Patient Safety and Infection Control
This course focuses on creating a safe care environment and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Key learning objectives:

• Fall risk reduction and use of restraints
• OSHA and CDC guidelines, including hand hygiene and PPE
• Chain of infection and transmission-based precautions
• Environmental safety hazards (e.g., wet floors, exposed wires)
• Ergonomics and proper body mechanics to avoid injury

Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
LPNs must tailor care to patients at different stages of life.

Students will learn:

• Theories of psychosocial and cognitive development (e.g., Erikson, Piaget)
• Age-specific communication and care strategies
• Physical, social, and emotional milestones
• Family dynamics and developmental support
• Preventive care and health screenings by age group

Medication Administration and Pharmacology
Students learn how to administer medications safely and accurately.

Topics include:

• Drug classifications and common medications
• Dosage calculation and conversion methods
• Routes of administration (oral, IM, subQ, etc.)
• Six Rights of Medication Administration
• Recognizing and reporting adverse drug reactions
• Special considerations for pediatric and geriatric populations

Basic Patient Needs: Hygiene, Comfort, and Mobility
This course teaches foundational patient care tasks essential to daily nursing practice.

Curriculum topics:

• Assisting with bathing, grooming, oral care, and toileting
• Assessing and supporting skin integrity
• Managing pain and promoting rest and sleep
• Safe patient positioning and transfers
• Ambulation and use of mobility aids

Fluids, Electrolytes, and Nutrition
LPNs monitor patient intake, output, and nutritional needs.

Content includes:

• Intracellular and extracellular fluid balance
• Electrolyte roles and imbalance symptoms
• Acid-base balance and compensation
• Dietary needs and therapeutic diets
• Hydration strategies and IV fluid overview

Medical-Surgical Nursing
This is a core component of LPN training focused on adult patient care.

Covered body systems:

• Cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and more
• Common illnesses, diagnostic procedures, and treatments
• Pre-op and post-op care
• Wound care and infection monitoring
• Chronic condition management

Emergency and Acute Care Nursing
This course prepares LPNs for real-world emergency scenarios.

Instruction covers:

• Basic life support and CPR certification
• Shock, burns, and trauma response
• Poison control and overdose intervention
• Emergency triage and documentation
• Disaster preparedness and crisis protocols

Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
LPNs support patients with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Key focus areas:

• Types of mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, schizophrenia)
• Coping mechanisms and therapeutic communication
• Suicide prevention and safety planning
• Medication adherence and side effects
• Promoting a therapeutic environment

Maternal and Pediatric Nursing
Students are introduced to nursing care during pregnancy and childhood.

Topics include:

• Stages of pregnancy and fetal development
• Labor and delivery basics
• Postpartum care and newborn assessments
• Pediatric growth milestones and vital signs
• Immunizations, common childhood illnesses, and safety promotion

Gerontological Nursing
This course covers the physical and psychosocial care of older adults.

Curriculum topics:

• Normal aging vs. disease processes
• Fall prevention and elder abuse awareness
• Polypharmacy and medication reconciliation
• Chronic illness management and support
• End-of-life considerations and palliative care

Rehabilitation and Restorative Nursing
LPNs support recovery after injury or illness.

Focus includes:

• Short-term and long-term rehab goals
• Assisting with physical therapy and ADLs
• Stroke and spinal cord injury care
• Adaptive equipment and mobility support
• Working with interdisciplinary rehab teams

Intravenous Therapy (If Permitted by State)
In states that allow IV certification for LPNs, students learn:

• IV catheter insertion and maintenance
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement
• Administering IV medications and blood products
• Identifying complications like infiltration or phlebitis

Hospice, Grief, and End-of-Life Care
LPNs care for patients and families during terminal illness.
Instruction includes:

• Recognizing stages of grief and loss
• Supporting spiritual and emotional needs
• Pain control and comfort care
• Post-mortem procedures
• Legal considerations (DNR orders, advance directives)