LPN Essay

In a well-organized essay of 500 words, articulate the steps required to obtain and maintain a licensed practical nurse (LPN) license in Ohio, including licensure, renewal procedures, and continuing education requirements.

Instructions:

Following American Psychological Association (APA) format, write a 500-word essay addressing the following components:

Title Page

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the essay topic with a strong introductory sentence.

Body Paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: Initial Licensure Process

• Describe the necessary educational requirements for LPN candidates in Ohio.
• Explain the steps to apply for licensure, including any required documentation.
• Detail the examination process, including the NCLEX-PN. Address the process of obtaining and use of the authorization to test (ATT) number.
• Discuss the fingerprinting and criminal background check requirements.

Paragraph 2: License Renewal

• Outline the frequency and deadlines for license renewal.
• Specify the number of contact hours required for continuing education units (CEUs), including any mandatory topics such as Nursing Law.
• Describe the steps to renew the license, including any fees and attestations.
• What are the ramifications of an LPN letting their license lap? Can the license be reinstated, and if so, how?

Paragraph 3: Maintaining Licensure

• Explain the importance of maintaining records of continuing education and the duration for which they should be kept.
• Discuss what to expect and how to respond in the case of an audit by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN).

Conclusion:

Briefly restate the importance of understanding the LPN licensure process in Ohio. Highlight the key steps in obtaining licensure (education, examination, application, and background check) and the main responsibilities for maintaining it (renewal timelines, continuing education, and record-keeping). Reflect on why staying current with licensure requirements is essential for protecting professional standing, delivering safe patient care, and upholding ethical nursing practice. End with a personal statement of commitment.

Writing Requirements:

Length: 500 words

Format: Microsoft Word documents ONLY! Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman

Citation: If you refer to outside sources (i.e., the Ohio Board of Nursing website), use APA format for in-text and reference list citations.

Submission: Upload to the designated Canvas Dropbox under Week 7 Modules in the PNS 1203 Course on Canvas by due date: Sunday, July 13, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.

Evaluation Criteria:

Your essay will be graded on comprehensiveness of information, clarity, organization, accuracy, proper APA citation/formatting, and correct use of mechanics (e.g., punctuation), usage, grammar, and sentence structure/spelling. See the rubric for more grading criteria.

Helpful Resources: Resources are ordered to help provide direction/mapping of the licensure and NCLEX-PN processes.

• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.). RN & LPN licensure.
• State of Ohio. (n.d.). How to create your user account in the Ohio eLicense 3.0 system.
• State of Ohio. (n.d.). Elicense Ohio.
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.). RN/LPN licensure exam process: Nursing students.
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Criminal records check.
• RSC recommends that you use the RSC services located in the Public Service building (
• )
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.) Nursing students: Licensure by examination (NCLEX).
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). NCLEX.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Registration process: How to register to take the NCLEX.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Fees & payment: Breakdown of licensure and registration costs.
• Lists fees for the NLCEX
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.) Fees.
• Lists fees to the Ohio Board of Nursing.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Testing accommodations.
• Provides important information about testing accommodations during the NCLEX-PN. Click link Accommodation request process.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Scheduling: How to schedule an exam appointment.
• Contains information about ATT
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Apply/renew online.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Prepare for success: What you need to know to prepare for the NCLEX.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2023). NCLEX: NCLEX PN Test Plan.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Take your exam with confidence: Helpful resources for test-takers.
• Provides helpful NCLEX-PN resources and FAQs for before and during testing
• State of Ohio. (n.d.)
• Provides useful information to common questions (e.g., How do I check the status of my application/license?)
• Board of Nursing. (n.d.) Check the status of your application.

LPN License Renewal and Maintenance

• Ohio Board of Nursing. LPN renewal application [Sample].
• State of Ohio. (n.d.) Access your existing eLicense Ohio account.
• Use to access and renew a current license
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.) CE requirements for license renewal.
• Ohio Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Renewal schedule.