FAQ

What is NAPNES?

The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc. (NAPNES) is dedicated to promoting and defending the practice, education and regulation of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), Practical Nursing Educators, Practical Nursing Schools, and Practical Nursing Students.  NAPNES has constituent state members throughout the United States.



NAPNES is the oldest association that advocates the practice, education and regulation of practical and vocational nurses. In fact, it is the organization that is responsible for the legislation that provides for the licensure, and education of practical nursing in the United States.

How is the LPN/LVN Refresher Course affiliated with NAPNES?

The NAPNES approved LPN/LVN Refresher Course has been developed in accordance with the NAPNES national standards.  The NAPNES national standards have the mark of excellence and are above minimum licensure standards for licensed practical/vocational nurses.


What is the purpose of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

The course is a refresher for Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurses:

  • who have not practiced for a period of time (length of time away from clinical practice varies and depends on your state’s regulations)
  • who wish to renew an inactive or lapsed license
  • whose license has been suspended or who have had limitations placed thereon
  • who need a refresher course as a result of their license being inactive for disciplinary action and who have met all eligibility requirements for reinstatement of licensure



Who is eligible to take the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

This LPN/LVN Refresher Course is for graduates of an approved Licensed Practical Nursing or Licensed Vocational Nursing Program who have previously been licensed in the United States.

In order to be eligible for the NAPNES approved LPN/LVN Refresher Course, you must fall into one of the following categories:

  • A nurse seeking reactivation of an inactive license who has not held an active license for a period of time defined by my state
  • A nurse seeking reinstatement of a lapsed license
  • A nurse who has been directed by the State Board of Nursing to complete an LPN/LVN Refresher Course
  • A nurse who needs a refresher course as a result of my license being inactive for disciplinary action, and who has met all eligibility requirements for reinstatement of license
  • A nurse looking to build on my basic LPN/LVN nursing education



What are the requirements for admission to the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

In order to register in the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, the following requirements must be met:

  • Graduation from an approved school of practical or vocational nursing
  • Submit a copy of the certificate of graduation or transcript clearly stating date of completion or graduation
  • Have been previously licensed in the United States (proof of previous license is required)
  • Hold a current active license OR be eligible for a Limited Educational License (LEL) or the required credential for clinical practice from his/her state (verification is required)
  • The LEL is not required until the student has completed the theory portion of the course, passed the final exam, and is ready for the clinical practicum. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that he/she is eligible for an LEL before submitting his/her application and fee for the course. Since the LEL has a specific expiration date, it is to the nurse’s advantage to apply for the LEL near the time he/she will be ready to begin the clinical practicum. The nurse will need to adjust the application time for the permit in his/her state to comply with state regulations. If the nurse is not be eligible for the LEL, he/she will not be permitted to perform the clinical practice, and ultimately would not be able to complete the course.
  • Submit a copy of a current CPR card (within 6 months) for a healthcare provider or Level “C” course
  • Submit completed application and appropriate documentation



Is the LPN/LVN Refresher Course approved in my state?

State Availability

The LPN/LVN Refresher Course is currently available in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona**
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida* (*In the state of Florida this is a Remedial Course)
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas***
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas****
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming




If you don’t see your state on the list, please revisit this site as we continue to add states each month.

**If your state of residency is Arizona, and you plan to become licensed in Arizona you must have your clinical facility and preceptor in place and confirmed prior to enrolling into this course.  You must provide all documentation to this office prior to course enrollment.

***Per the Kansas Board of Nursing: Kansas students must complete 180 hours of supervised clinical practice, and submit all required paperwork (instead of the standard 120 hours required by this course).

****Contact your state board of nursing to verify
that this course meets their current requirements.


How long will it take me to complete the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

The LPN/LVN Refresher Course must be completed within 1 year. The amount of time until actual completion depends on the nursing student.

What if I can’t complete the LPN/LVN Refresher Course in one year?

One three-month extension is permitted upon written request at least 30 days prior to the 1-year deadline.  There is a one-time $75 charge for an extension.

What do I have to do to complete the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

To complete the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, you will need to complete the sixteen self-study modules, read and study the text, answer corresponding questions in the study guide, complete and pass the end-of-module post assessments, pass a 200 question multiple-choice final exam, complete 120 hours of supervised clinical practice, and submit all required paperwork.


When can I start the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

You can start the LPN/LVN Refresher Course whenever you like. Simply complete the registration process, send in the appropriate documentation, and you will be given a password to log on to the system and begin the LPN/LVN Refresher Course.

Who teaches the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

There is not an instructor for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course. It is self-learning and self-paced. All of the information you need will be made available in the books and within the online course. The LPN/LVN Refresher Course is designed to be taken as an eLearning course. The textbook and testing activities are completed online, at the location of your choice.


What books are used for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

The following books are recommended for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course:

  • Textbook of Basic Nursing 10th Edition – by Caroline Bunker Rosdahl/Mary T. Kowalski
  • Study Guide for Textbook of Basic Nursing 10th – by Caroline Bunker Rosdahl/Mary T. Kowalski
  • Stedman’s Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing 7th ed.
  • Nursing 2015 Drug Handbook with Web Toolkit

Once you have verified that you are eligible for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, the book can be easily purchased along with your online course.  The textbooks for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course includes a study guide.


What technology do I need for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

You will need a computer with a minimum of 2GB of internal memory, Windows 2000 or higher , Microsoft Office 2003 (with Word and PowerPoint applications), Internet Explorer 8.0, Flash 10.0, Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player 11.0, an email address, and a high-speed internet connection (dial-up is not functional).  You should also have access to a printer.  Virus protection software is highly recommended.  MAC is not recommended to be used with the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, as much of the multi-media does not function.

Would I benefit more in a structured, classroom program?

If you have the time and availability needed for a classroom setting, it is beneficial to have face-to-face interaction with an instructor and the networking opportunities with other students.

This course is designed for the LPN/LVN who either does not have access to a classroom or, because of other commitments (family, children, job, etc.), cannot attend a local classroom program. This online program requires more self-discipline and motivation by the student, but has the flexibility and availability of “anytime or anywhere”.


What proof of completion will I receive?

You will receive a certificate of completion and a letter stating your successful completion of the course which you can submit to your state Board of Nursing.

How and where do I go to get my clinical practicum?

You negotiate your clinical experience at a hospital of your choice. The LPN/LVN Refresher Course focuses on medical-surgical competencies, so it is advisable to obtain the 120 hours at a facility near you that has medical surgical nursing units.

When you are almost through the theory portion of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, it is recommended that you make an appointment with the nurse executive or nurse educator at the facility in which you want to work.  Experience has shown that nurses who work a 40-hour work week on medical-surgical units come away from the LPN/LVN Refresher Course with better experience and a higher level of self-confidence.

Timing is everything. Hospitals have a commitment to colleges and universities for their nursing students, so you may be in competition for a preceptor. Most nurses try to obtain their clinical experience at a hospital where they want to work. This is a “win-win” situation where you are providing free care and the hospital is providing the preceptor. At the completion of the clinical practicum, you are ready to work, so to speak, and don’t need an orientation. This is a big saving for the hospital. It allows you to see what the hospital has to offer and it is also an opportunity for them to review your skills.


Do hospitals charge a fee for the clinical experience?

It is at the hospital’s discretion if they wish to charge a fee.

Can I be paid for the hours of clinical practice that I work?

You can only be paid for your clinical practice if you are currently licensed in your state, and if the facility of clinical practice chooses to pay you. If you are completing your clinical practice with a temporary permit or educational license, you are not eligible to work for pay.

Do I have to do my clinical in a hospital or can I do it in a long term care facility?

The LPN/LVN Refresher Course is based on general medical surgical competencies. The best experiences will be had in an acute care facility on medical surgical units. This is a stepping off point to any other area, so it is advisable to get your experience in such a facility.

Depending on location and circumstances, the LPN/LVN may find a long-term care facility more appropriate.


Is CPR required for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

Documentation of a healthcare provider level CPR class (or Level “C”) is required before beginning clinical practice. That level course can often be found at a college that provides healthcare programs, at a healthcare facility or even at your local fire department. Healthcare facilities will often include refresher students in their classes if you contact their Director of Nursing or Director of Education.

Where can I get the pre-requisites (CPR, immunizations, liability/malpractice insurance, current nursing license)?

CPR

Call your local American Red Cross Association, American Heart Association or local hospital to see when they offer a CPR course. There is generally a fee for a CPR course. It is advisable to take the first responder course to include infant and child.

Immunizations

Your local public health department or primary physician can give you the immunizations required. Most hospitals now require a current hepatitis B series, tetanus, rubella or rubella titer. Check with the facility where you want to complete your clinical practicum to see what they require for their personnel.



Liability/Malpractice Insurance

Nursing Liability Insurance can be obtained from several sources. Two companies are:

  1. Marsh Affinity Group Services
    1440 Renaissance Drive
    Park Ridge, Il 60068
    1-800-503-9230
  2. Nursing Service Organization
    159 East County Line Road
    Hatboro, PA 19040
    1-800-247-1500

Licensure

You must have a current practical/vocational nursing license OR a Limited Educational License (LEL) or the required credential for clinical practice from your state before you can begin your practicum.

  • The LEL is not required until the student has completed the theory portion of the course, passed the final exam, and is ready for the clinical practicum. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that he/she is eligible for an LEL before submitting his/her application and fee for the course. Since the LEL has a specific expiration date, it is to the nurse’s advantage to apply for the LEL near the time he/she will be ready to begin the clinical practicum. The learner will need to adjust the application time for the permit in his/her state to comply with the state’s regulations. If the nurse is not be eligible for the LEL, he/she will not be permitted to perform the clinical practice, and hence would not be able to complete the course.



Do I have to purchase my own health insurance?

Health insurance is not required for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, but you are still responsible for any healthcare costs related to any accident or injury that may occur in a clinical setting.

Why do I need to get a background check?

Most healthcare facilities now require a background check for all employees. In order to do your clinical practicum, you will need the basic screening.

What do I need in order to register in the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

You need an official school transcript stating the date that a practical nursing education diploma was awarded to you; proof of LPN/LVN licensure.  Immunization records and current BCLS (basic life support) certification will be required before beginning the clinical experience.


Can I do the clinical practice as part of my current job?

If you are currently licensed as an LPN/LVN in your state and working as an LPN/LVN in a facility that meets the clinical requirements, this is usually permitted. Working as a nursing assistant or in a doctor’s office doesn’t meet the clinical requirements. Home care doesn’t qualify for clinical practice due to the need for direct supervision of a preceptor.

Is IV therapy included in the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

IV therapy is defined and discussed including: recording, monitoring, types of IVs, equipment used, infusion rates, solutions and medications, TPN (total parenteral nutrition), bolus and intermittent injections, flushing, and nursing considerations. The IV Therapy portion of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course is limited.  If you would like to become IV certified, Career Learning Centers provides a NAPNES approved http://www.careerlearningcenters.com/Certifications.aspx IV Therapy Certification Program.


What is the post-assesment?

The post-assessment is an online, auto-graded examination to test your knowledge. It is completed inside the online course when you go through the theory portion of the course.

Can I obtain a refund?

No.  There are no refunds once you are registered in the online LPN/LVN refresher course regardless of your ability to obtain licensure.

What are the computer requirements for the LPN/LVN Refresher Course?

A computer with high speed internet access is required.  All features of the learning program are not compatible with Mac computers.  The learning platform that is used does not translate to the Mac system.

What does lpn stand for? See also normal lab values nursing.