Career Change: Turning to the Healthcare Industry
Date: July 22, 2022
In this economy, countless people make career changes and turn to the healthcare industry. Becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse is a great way to enter the fast-growing healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor and Industries, employment of Licensed Vocational Nurses is projected to grow nine percent (9%) from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.1
A Licensed Vocational Nurse is a valuable member of any nursing team. These nurses provide direct patient care while working under Registered Nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals. Licensed Vocational Nurses work in multiple settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care units, nursing homes, and clinics.
LVN Duties
A Licensed Vocational Nurse’s everyday duties include taking vital signs, including temperatures, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also monitor catheters and IVs, prepare and deliver medications and provide injections. Additionally, they apply and change treatments and dressings and perform routine lab tests while keeping patients comfortable.
The requirements to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse vary by state. However, one generally needs a high-school diploma and to complete an accredited training program at a community college or vocational school. Training includes both classroom and hands-on instruction. Licensed Vocational Nurses must complete a state-approved educational program, typically taking about one year. They must also be licensed.1
A Vocational Nursing program provides primary care training, performs CPR and first aid, monitors patients, and conducts necessary medical procedures and tests. Upon completing a qualified program, one must pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam to work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
Working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse can be physically demanding, and those seeking a nursing career should be in good health and physical shape. Working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse requires careful attention to detail, proper time management, multitasking skills, analyzing information, and excellent communication skills.
Nursing Monikers
Licensed Vocational Nurses are referred to as LVNs in the states of California and Texas. All other states refer to them as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). According to O*NET other titles include Charge Nurse, Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN), Clinic Nurse, Office Nurse, Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse), Private Duty Nurse, Radiation Oncology Nurse, and Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse).2 A Licensed Vocational Nurse’s scope of practice varies from state to state. However, due to the rigors of a California license, it is accepted in all US states.
Try Our Nursing Program
Many people are unsure how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse, what program to take, or which public, private, or career training school to attend. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts can offer you the educational avenue to become a highly trained Licensed Vocational Nurse in as little as 12 months.*~
*52 Approved Instructional Weeks.
Citations
1^a, b “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. Sept. 8, 2021. (Accessed Nov. 16, 2021).
2 “29-2061.00 – Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” O*NET OnLine. (Accessed May 18, 2022).
