Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)?

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is an entry-level nurse who cares for the sick, injured, convalescent, disabled, responsible for rendering primary nursing care. The LVN practices under the direction of a medical doctor, physician, registered nurse (RN), or other supervisory medical professionals. 

Licensed Vocational Nurses can and typically work in any general healthcare setting. LVNs usually provide primary nursing care in hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, private homes (home healthcare services), group homes, doctor’s offices, surgical centers, long-term care facilities, and other settings.

Licensed Vocational Nurses are employed full-time most of the time, but as much as 18% of LVNs in the United States are hired for part-time hours. Full-Time LVNs work at least 40 hours per week. The Occupational Outlook Handbook states that Licensed Vocational Nurses may have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. LVNs may stand for extended periods and help patients move in bed, stand or walk, and are expected to lift to 100 pounds comfortably.

Licensed Vocational Nurses regularly interact with patients and their families and the medical team, including doctors, physicians, registered nurses (RNs), and other supervisory professionals. The distinction of the LVN role from registered nurses (RNs) and medical assistants (MAs) is that they are focused primarily on patient care. Medical Assistants typically provide clinical and administrative duties, while Registered Nurses (RNs) hold managerial roles in coordinating patient care and supervising the LVN.

LVNs may face occupational hazards as part of typical workplace exposure, including the risk of exposure to caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases. Licensed Vocational nurses may experience back injuries or other injuries from repetitive, physical work involved with moving patients. LVNs also experience workplace stress, in some part due to confused, agitated, uncooperative, or potentially combative patients.

What Does a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) do?

The LVN provides care in a structured healthcare setting for patients experiencing every day, well-defined medical care. The daily duties of a Licensed Vocational Nurse can vary depending on where your work. The state where you work might even put regulations on the types of responsibilities you may be allowed to perform. LVNs often provide primary bedside care. The typical, frequently performed tasks by Licensed Vocational Nurses are as follows:

• Maintain patient records.
• Take patient histories and document administered care.
• Monitor the overall condition and health of the patient.
  • Note adverse reactions to medications or treatments.
  • Record food and fluid intake and output.
• Measure and record patients’ vital signs.
  • Height & Weight
  • Temperature
  • Blood pressure, pulse & respiratory rates
• Prepare and administer injections.
• Start IV Drips and give medications.
• Collect patient samples for testing.

• Perform routine laboratory tests.
• Assist other medical professionals with tests and procedures.
• Provide hygiene care to patients.
  • Assisting patients with bathing.
  • Helping patients go to the bathroom.
• • Oxygen supply machines
  • Thermometers, stethoscopes, spirometers, and blood pressure monitors
  • Catheters
  • Nebulizers
  • Assemble, use, clean, sanitize, and monitor specific medical equipment.

How Do I Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)?

While there are many potential paths to take to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse, these steps will typically include:

• Taking prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and mathematics.
• Apply to and enroll in a nursing (vocational nursing) education program at a community college or technical/vocational school.
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
• Obtain training and certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Apply to an LVN job at a local health care facility, such as a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office.
• Pass the necessary health screenings and background checks.
• Maintain the practical nursing license and BLS certification while accruing on the job work experience in Licensed Vocational Nursing.
• Additionally, it is recommended to investigate additional, optional certifications that allow for specialization within practical nursing (nursing is a competitive field).