The Advantages of Earning an Online LPN Nursing Degree
If you are interested in entering the nursing field, a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, may be a good option for you. Depending on the state where you live, the degree may also be known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, or LVN. It is the basic level of nursing, and requires that you pass a state board exam called the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, exam.
Obtaining the Designation
In order to become an LPN, you will need to complete the appropriate training. One important aspect is that you need to train for a year in a hospital, vocational technical school, or community college. You can also train for an LPN degree online. However, before you choose a program, check with your state to ensure that your education will qualify you to sit for the licensing examination.
The advantages of earning an online LPN nursing degree are many. For one, if you are currently working or have other obligations, you can work on your degree without having to quit your job. Additionally, you may be interested in attending a school that is not in your area, but offers an LPN program.
Working as an LPN
The advantages of earning an online LPN nursing degree include the ability to earn the education you need to begin working as a nurse. Should you choose to later seek an RN (Registered Nurse) or other degree, many programs exist online to allow you to move forward with your career.
What can you do as an LPN? While your responsibilities are more limited than those of nurses with additional education, the advantages of earning an online LPN nursing degree allow you to work in the field without making the same level of commitment as required for an advanced degree—and you can always return to school at a later time if desired.
Career Outlook
Careers in the medical field are expected to remain strong. Starting salaries for LPNs can vary, as with any other field; however, the average salary for LPNs is around $34,000 annually.
To learn more about the online LPN nursing degree, Amanda Jones recommends Nursing Degree Guide, the ultimate resource center for nursing students.


Yahtzee - an Educational Game?
Education can be "hidden" in a lot of toys and games. When you think of educational toys and games for your children don't overlook some of the obvious ones.
Today we will talk about Yahtzee, most say it is all in the luck of the roll. That maybe true but there is some logic involved as well. Do you use four ones for your four of a kind or do you try for sixes instead. Do you go for your large straight when you have a 2, 3, 4, 5, or do you try in when you have a 1, 2, 4, 5?
But besides the logic there is basic addition. Learning to count by 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, and 6's. Then of course you need to total up the score.
The game of yahtzee doesn't take long and even if you are playing with a younger child that cannot add up the final scores just the exposure to counting by 2's and 5's for example will help them understand math concepts later on.
Yahtzee is also great because it doesn't matter how many players you have, and you can even play by yourself and try to top your best score.
Then you must not forget the sheer pleasure of spending time with your children doing something enjoyable. Children flourish when attention is spent on them. You don't have to plan an expensive trip to the amusement park to spend quality time with your children, just doing something that is enjoyable to both of you and giving them your attention is often enough.
Start your children young introducing them to different concepts such as addition, reading, etc. Young children love to learn and you will most often find a willing pupil that is excited to learn new things, especially when it is their favorite teacher instructing them, you.
Robin Reckard, co-founder of Jorbins.com Lifestyle Magazine - http://www.jorbins.com/ keeps busy producing, writing, and editing for the magazine as well as raising and enjoying her six year old daughter.
Be sure and visit Jorbins Baby and Parenting Section for other great parenting and child development articles. Check out the Toys and Games area too for even more articles on bicycle and playground safety.
Copyright 2006, Jorbins Inc. - Reprints of this article can be made as long as the article is in it's entirety, unchanged, and the resource box with links and urls remain unchanged.


Finding the Best Online Nursing Degree Program
Finding the best online nursing degree program depends on a few different factors, including your goals, what you want in an online school, and the best programs available for your career goals. In other words, finding the best online nursing degree program is not as simple as finding the "top" program. What may be the top program for one person may not be for another. However, some time spent researching various programs can help you with finding the best online nursing degree program for your needs.
Online Research
How do you know which school is best? One way to begin is to take advantage of professional nursing organizations. Two that provide accreditation for schools are The National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission and The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Additionally, a search of "professional nursing organizations" will provide you with many to review and consider joining. Through your contacts with these organizations, you can learn more about which schools are considered the best, and communicate with people who have completed online nursing programs.
Another area to consider is school rankings compiled by other organizations. The U.S. News and World Report provides a wide range of school information on its website. It offers general information as well as school ranking, and includes a section on online nursing programs. Keep in mind, however, that ranking systems are not the only indication of what makes a good school and which one will provide the best experience for you.
Understanding Online Learning
Finding the best online nursing degree program also entails an understanding of how online learning works, and which types are best for you. Some schools offer "real time" options, which means you need to be online at specific times to view lectures or participate in other "live" communications (such as chat rooms). Other programs allow you to attend class on your own schedule, which means you can log on any time of day. Many programs offer a combination of delivery methods. Which one is right for you depends on your need for interaction, learning style, and schedule.
To learn more about enrolling in an online nursing degree program, Amanda Jones recommends Nursing Degree Guide, the ultimate resource center for nursing students.