LVNs are Licensed Vocational Nurses, whose duties primarily include taking care of patients under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses (RNs). Besides bedside care, LVNs help to monitor the condition of the patients as well as assist them with personal hygiene, medication and treatments.
LVN jobs are available in hospitals, nursing homes, health care institutions, outpatient and home care facilities. The demand for LVNs is expected to increase with the shortage of nursing personnel and the growing older population.
Aspiring vocational nurses undergo one of the state-approved LVN programs which are about one to two years. These programs are taken at vocational, technical, community or junior colleges. LVN programs in Texas are often for-profit schools. The basic entry requirement is a high school diploma. After completion of the training, the student is required to take an examination NCLEX-PN in order to be certified to practice as an LVN.
The training program covers nursing fundamentals and subjects pertaining to patient care, anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, medication and nutrition. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical training under the supervision of a medical or nursing staff, in a health-care or hospital environment.
LVN sample resumes are available online. A sample resume typically describes the education and certification of the candidate. It also details job related knowledge and working experience as well as the names of current and previous employers. A general profile is provided, emphasizing the candidate’s aptitude for the LVN job.
The median salary for an LVN is around $49,000. The salary ranges from $41,000 to $52,000, depending on the employer and location as well as the experience and seniority of the candidate. An LVN at entry level earns about $42,000. Part time LVN jobs pay from $17 to $22 per hour.
Lvn Jobs In The US
Caring for the sick is both an art and a science. This entails education, training, and the desire to help those who need care and attention. Licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, are both knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to providing quality care for patients.
LVNs may choose to work in hospitals, private clinics, and establishments offering out-patient surgical procedures. In the hospital, LVNs are delegated to administer medications, measure input and output, and take blood pressure and temperature checks. Although given these responsibilities, they need to be supervised by registered nurses in the hospital setting.
In clinics where no registered nurses are employed, LVNs are overseen by physicians. They assist the doctor in clinic procedures, BP checks, and document completion or update.
Although LVN jobs in the US aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, there is still a demand for vocational nurses. In fact, there is a rising demand for LVNs at present; institutions are experiencing a continuing shortage of LVNs. One reason why opportunities for vocational nurses in the US are rising is the preference for LVNs over RNs as LVNs usually get a lower salary.
Many newly licensed vocational nurses find employment in chronic care hospitals, health facilities, and many other establishments that provide care for patients with chronic conditions. Many LVN positions in California are available in penitentiaries and detention centers, mental health institutions, and in the home setting. LVN programs in California can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete.
Many establishments that offer long-term care are in need of LVNs. LVN jobs in psychiatric centers, convalescent homes, and homes for the elderly are rising. Under the supervision of registered nurses, they execute nursing responsibilities within the scope of LVN practice. They may also supervise orderlies and nursing aides.
Requirements for LVN jobs may vary according to state. After a course in vocational nursing, a potential LVN should pass a vocational nursing licensure examination. Other requirements may include an earlier job experience, especially when applying for LVN jobs in the home setting.
There is a current scarcity of licensed vocational nurses in the state of California and in the whole country. This is good news to licensed vocational nurses as LVN jobs continue to grow in number. The population in the U.S. is starting to mature, with an expected rise in the aged population. More people are expected to occupy elderly homes; there is then a predicted rise in LVN jobs in this scenario. Given the many other institutions that need the care of a nurse, LVN jobs are not expected to dwindle anytime soon.
Types Of LVN Jobs
A Licensed Vocational Nurse has the choice of many job opportunities. An LVN is part of a health care team under the direct supervision of doctors and registered nurses. LVN’s usually have the most direct care work with patients — who can be disabled, ill, or injured depending on the job chosen.
Types of LVN jobs can range from full time, part time and per diem. An LVN needs thorough training in basic LVN procedures and a license – but may choose to advance his or her training to specialize in a particular type of ailment, age of patient or work setting, such as a dialysis center, nursing home or correctional facility.
Vocational nursing employment is found in jails, prisons and other correctional institutions. Duties can include delivering medication to inmates that are restricted from coming to the infirmary, providing routine physical exams, updating charts and administering insulin to those not permitted to use the needles themselves. Duties can also include those similar to nursing homes in the care of elderly prisoners.
Hospice LVN jobs may be in the patients home or in a hospice center. The main care is of the dying patient, but a hospice LVN often provides family services as well. The hospice nurse is responsible for reporting changes in a patient back to the health care team and requires careful record keeping skills.
Pediatric LVN jobs are often in a doctor’s office performing routine assessments. Many of the children will not even be ill but will be coming in for their routine check-ups. LVN’s working in a doctors office also need to know how to work standard office machines and have a working knowledge of insurance paperwork.
Per Diem LVN jobs may be just right for someone who only wants to work occasionally or for a few hours a week. These are jobs where you get paid a daily rate. You may have a regular schedule for example working every Saturday night — or you may be called and offered a job covering for another nurse who is on vacation. There is usually a lot of work available and the pay is very good since the job requires a license so not just anyone can do it.
LVN Job Information
LVN job duties start with most of the direct patient care. An LVN is taught to take vital signs, collect samples and take histories of patients, but then passes the information to the RN (Registered Nurse) who will make the care plan. An LVN will also feed patients that need help, give injections and enemas, bathe and change patients as well as assist in examinations.
The average LVN salary ranges from about $21-$26 per hour depending on years of experience. Many LVN’s also receive an excellent benefits package with paid medical and dental insurance benefits, sick days, paid vacation and most holidays. Some places will also pay for your continuing education in the health field — for example, if you decided to work toward your RN. Many experienced vocational nurses take one of the many LVN to RN programs available today.
The education for an LVN is usually a one to two year program depending on the school. Some accelerated nursing programs can be completed in as little as 11 months. This includes classroom training and clinical experience working with actual patients in a supervised setting. Educational programs can be found in colleges throughout the country. Passing a state licensing test is also required.
Skills of a licensed vocational nurse are many and varied. The nurse needs to be able to do everything from safely helping a patient move from a bed to a chair and back again — to being trained in infection control and making assessments. LVN’s also give medication so they need to be knowledgeable about the medicines themselves, allergic reaction and how to deal with an uncooperative patient. Some LVN’s also do intravenous medications.
LVN’s may work an 8-12 hour shift depending on the health facility. The day often starts by making rounds, taking temperatures and blood pressure. The LVN must be very careful to document these on the charts correctly. After that the LVN will bathe patients perhaps give them a doctor ordered alcohol rub down. The LVN will follow the care plan set our by the RN and do whatever is needed for each patient.
Depending on where you work, an LVN can do most of the hands on patient cleaning — or can be the charge nurse for an entire floor. Some LVN’s prefer to work in a doctor’s office where their duties may also include business machines and insurance paper work. All LVN’s should be prepared to calmly explain what is being done to a patient to both the patient and the patient’s family.