Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Additional Information
Duties
Licensed practical and vocational nurses do the following duties on a regular basis:
- You can do this by keeping an eye on patients' well-being, such as checking their blood pressure.
- Perform routine patient care, such as changing bandages and inserting catheters.
- Care for patients' basic needs, such as bathing and dressing them.
- Talk to patients about the care they're receiving and listen to their concerns.
- Nurses and doctors should be informed about the health and well-being of their patients.
- Keep track of patients' medical conditions.
The work environment and state in which they are employed have an impact on the responsibilities of LPNs and LVNs. Examples include helping to deliver and feed babies; collecting samples for testing; or feeding patients who are unable to eat on their own.
Depending on the state where they work, LPNs and LVNs may only be able to do a limited set of duties. There are certain states where licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can administer medication and start intravenous (IV) drips, but there are others where LPNs are not allowed to do so. The level of direct supervision required of LPNs and LVNs is also governed by state rules. For example, an LPN may only be able to offer some types of care if the RN gives them specific instructions.
Education
In order to become an LPN or LVN, you must finish an accredited program of study. A certificate or diploma is awarded upon completion of these programs, which normally last a year, but may last longer. Technical and community institutions, as well as some high schools and hospitals, typically provide these programs.
Nursing, biology, and pharmacology are all taught in the classroom as part of a practical nursing curriculum. A clinical component is also a part of all programs.
Obtain a list of authorized programs by contacting state boards of nursing.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLE) can be taken by LPNs and LVNs who have completed a state-approved educational program (NCLEX-PN). To work as an LPN or LVN, you must be certified by your state's board of nursing. Visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for more information about the NCLEX-PN test and a list of state nursing boards.
Certification in gerontology and intravenous treatment, for example, is available to LPNs and LVNs through professional groups. Certifications prove that an LPN or LVN has advanced expertise in a particular field.
If you've been trained in CPR, you could get the job over someone who hasn't (CPR).
Advancement
Licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs) can work their way up to management roles with time and experience. Some LPNs and LVNs go on to work in other fields in the healthcare industry. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) can become a registered nurse by completing an LPN to RN education program.
Characteristics That Are Very Important
Pay close attention to the smallest of details. To ensure that patients receive the proper treatment at the appropriate time, LPNs and LVNs must be responsible and detail oriented.
Personality traits. LPNs and LVNs spend a significant amount of time interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals, which necessitates strong interpersonal skills.
Patience. It might be difficult to deal with those who are ill or injured. Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) must be patient in order to deal with the stress of caring for these patients.
Stamina in the physical sense. For example, LPNs and LVNs should be able to comfortably do physical jobs such as bending over patients for extended periods of time.
Skills in public speaking. The ability of LPNs and LVNs to properly communicate is critical. For instance, a registered nurse may need to be informed of a patient's present state.
Pay
In May 2020, licensed practical and vocational nurses earned an average annual salary of $48,820. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. The lowest tenth earned less than $35,570, while the top tenth made more than $65,520 each year.
Job Projections
Licensed practical and vocational nurses' employment is expected to expand at an average rate of 9% between 2020 and 2030.