The importance of licensed vocational nursing is apparent when one considers that a nurse is the first person you see when you are born, and the last person you will see when you die. A Licensed Vocational Nurse certainly meets this description, but is also the important link between the doctor or RN and the patient.
An LVN may perform various medical procedures. Some of these procedures may range from easy to extremely complex. These procedures may include: Taking vitals (blood pressure, pulse, etc.), gathering patients health information, preparing and administering injections, assisting patients with personal hygiene, collecting lab samples, performing lab tests, taking care of babies, educating families about good health habits, and supervising nursing assistants and aids. The essential roles in licensed vocational nursing can be broken down into 4 main categories: Monitoring, Lab Work, Patient Education and Specialty Roles.
Responsibilities In Licensed Vocational Nursing
Monitoring
Because an LVN is a special link between the doctor and the patient, it is extremely important that the nurse has great communication skills. The nurse needs to be able to monitor the patient’s vitals and watch for adverse reactions to medications. They must be able to communicate with the patient what is happening to them, how drugs will affect them and all the doctors’ findings. If there are any changes with the patient the nurse needs to be able to report back to the doctor all the changes and finding that occurred with their patient.
A vocational nurse gathers information from patients such has food eaten, fluids patient takes in and expels, and family history. Much of this information is documented for records such as insurance forms and referrals.
Laboratory and Administrative Duties
There are many job opportunities for LVN’s in hospital labs. Many nurses will collect samples and conduct the test. The nurses also assist doctors during their tests and report any results to labs. A vocational nurse may also work within the doctor’s office scheduling appointments and performing other administrative duties.
Educating Patients
Many LVN’s working in nursing homes or home health care do a variety of duties involving education of the patient. These include preparing meals, teaching patients about healthy habits, medications, dressing wounds, and physical therapy. Many nurses also provide emotional support for the patient as well as for their family members.
Specialty Roles
In some cases LVN’s are responsible for more specialized job roles. These may include assisting in delivering and caring for newborns, home nursing care, and even the care and monitoring of medical equipment.
Licensed Vocational Nursing In The Big Picture
The Licensed Vocational Nurse may work in hospitals, physician’s offices and nursing homes. A LVN is not an easy job. A nurse will spend many hours on her feet as well as lifting people and dealing with difficult people. Licensed vocational nursing requires a person to wear many hats, and this is why they are such a critical member of the health care industry.
Recommended Vocational Nursing Programs in California!
Programs:
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Certified Nursing Assistant
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Programs:
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
Programs:
- AS in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Medical Assisting
- And more...
Capella is an accredited, online university where you'll experience unparalleled support, join a community of accomplished professionals, and be challenged with rigorous academics. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs by answer a short form.
Programs:
- MSN - General Nursing (CCNE-accredited)
- MSN - RN-to-MSN General Nursing (CCNE-accredited)
- MSN - RN-to-MSN Gerontology Nursing
- And more...
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.
Programs:
- Diploma - Vocational Nursing
- Diploma - Medical Assistant
- Certificate - Medical Assistant
Programs:
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.
Programs:
- Nursing, MS
- Medical Assisting, AS (Online)
Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*
Programs:
- MS in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- MS - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- And more...
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