Complete LVN Overview

Are you an aspiring LVN or licensed vocational nurse? If you want to become part of a stable industry in the healthcare field, you may want to consider choosing this profession. Aside from being stable, it is also a very good-paying job. In addition to this, it is also very worthwhile and fulfilling since you will be helping other people when it comes to their health and wellness.

To give you an overview of all the important details that you need to know, we have listed all the vital information related to LVNs in this article.

What is Licensed Vocational Nursing?

Licensed vocational nursing is a course for aspiring licensed vocational nurses. LVNs or licensed vocational nurses work hand-in-hand with registered nurses and doctors. They are responsible in giving basic medical care to patients.

What is the difference between registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses?

A registered nurse finished a 4-year course while LVNs took a shorter 2-year course. Generally, registered nurses have more responsibilities compared to their LVN counterparts. In fact, registered nurses can delegate tasks to LVNs in the workplace. vocational nurses cannot delegate tasks to registered nurses.

What subjects should I take to become eligible to enroll in an accredited LVN course?

Prerequisite subjects may vary from one school to another. In general, you will need to have taken the following subjects:

  • College Algebra
  • Biology
  • English
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Intro to Psychology

What subjects should I expect if I choose to take the LVN course?

You will be taking Nursing and health related subjects in a span of two years. The LVN course will include the following subjects:

  • Vocational Nursing
  • Geriatric Nursing
  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutrition
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Maternal/Newborn Nursing
  • Fundamentals of vocational Nursing

These are just some of the usual subjects. However, you need to understand that aside from the usual classes, you will also need to attend hands-on trainings. Hands-on experiences are important in order to learn the different nursing skills.

After finishing my LVN program, can I start work right away?

After finishing the course, you may now take the licensure examination. If you are licensed, you are entitled to more career-advancement options and higher salaries. The licensure examination is given by the Board of Nursing of you state. For example, the LVN programs in California have to be continually approved by the BVNPT. LVN programs in Texas have to be approved by the state’s Board of Nursing.

How Much Should I Expect as Salary?

Just like what we have mentioned earlier, you can expect a good salary from this job. As an average, you can expect around $56,000 per year. This LVN salary, of course, will depend on many factors such as your experience and location. If you want to advance your career even more in order to increase your salary, you can take up different related courses or finish a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

We hope that this article was able to help you have a clearer view about the LVN profession. It is definitely a noble and fulfilling job because you will be able to share your time and effort for people who need you the most.

Essential Skills Every LVN Should Have

If you want to become a licensed vocational nurse or LVN, you need to know that the job will require you to be skilled and knowledgeable. The nursing profession is actually one of the most skills-filled jobs in the world. This is, of course, understandable because nurses deal with the health and wellness of the whole population.

There are many nursing skills you need to become familiar with if you want to work as a licensed vocational nurse. To help you have a clearer view on the essential skills you should have, we have listed them here in this article.

Before listing the skills, let us first tackle some important details regarding the LVN profession. In case you want to know, the nursing profession is one of the most stable industries today. In fact, the demand for LVNs is steadily increasing for years now.

As of 2016, licensed vocational nurses can expect around $56,000 annual salary. However, you have to take note that salaries may vary from one state to another. In addition, experience is always taking into consideration.

  • First of all, you need to have exemplary communication skills. As you may know by now, LVNs work closely with doctors, nurses, patients and families. Therefore, it is vital that you know how to communicate well. In addition to this, in order to relay proper reports and observations about the needs and conditions of patients, you need to be able to report perfectly to registered nurses and doctors.

  • You will also need to have good decision-making skills. Without this specific skill, you will have a hard time choosing the right thing to do especially during emergencies.

  • Another important thing you need to have is documentation skills. Just like in any job, accuracy is very important when it come to documentation. You will need to fill-up forms with the patient’s vital signs and other important details.

  • Computer skills are not vital in almost all work settings. This is especially true for LVNs. You need to have basic computer knowledge to be able to work smoothly especially during documentation.

  • Last, but definitely not the least, you need to have a good grasp of the nursing skills taught during your course. You have to remember that you will be responsible in giving basic medical care to patients. In some instances, registered nurses can delegate some tasks for you to do.

There you have it! The list above contains the most essential skills every LVN should have. In order to become a successful LVN, you need to know what is expected of you. You will learn all the skills that you need from your choice of LVN programs, training and experiences.