Becoming a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, can lead to a very rewarding career that includes excellent job stability—and a respectable salary. Most licensed vocational nurses report a very high rate of job satisfaction, and there is an excellent forecast for the LVN job outlook in the years to come. Many licensed vocational nurses go on to become registered nurses through LVN to RN bachelor's programs. Here is a detailed look at everything that you need to know about becoming a LVN in the United States.
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) cares for patients while under the supervision of a physician or RN (registered nurse). An LVN provides basic care, including measuring and recording patient’s vital signs, which include temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rates or heart rates. An LVN may assist in giving injections, monitoring adverse drug reactions, re-dressing wounds and assisting the patient in bathing, bathroom visits and helping to keep patients as comfortable as possible and on the “road to recovery.” A newly licensed vocational nurse can expect to be on his or her feet for most of the day and will need to handle a number of complex job duties in a safe and efficient manner. The duties of an LVN in a general hospital setting can vary a great deal from those of a nursing home LVN, but virtually all licensed vocational nurses work directly with sick or disabled patients and provide them with routine medical care. Because LVNs work with patients on such a personal level, it is necessary for an LVN to have an excellent bedside manner in addition to his or her vocational skills. In some parts of the country, LVNs are also qualified to prescribe medications as well. An LVN may also need to be physically able to help lift and move patients who are unable to do so themselves.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Educational Requirements
Unlike many careers in the health industry, the educational path to becoming a licensed vocational nurse is relatively short. Most new LVNs complete their education in a single year or less, and it is fairly easy to get accepted into programs at accredited colleges and vocational schools located all over the country. After completing an educational program, candidates for a vocational nursing license must pass a special test. Many students choose to enroll in a LVN net test review so that they can be sure to pass their test with flying colors. LVNs may become credentialed in specialties like IV therapy, gerontology, long-term care and pharmacology. Over time, many licensed vocational nurses make the decision to further their education so that they can become registered nurses. Fortunately, this is easily done as there are accredited LVN to RN online nursing classes that allow health care professionals a platform of study to further their career—and, they can do this at their own pace from the comfort of their own home. Nursing schools with LVN to RN fast track programs online are rising to meet the growing need from the healthcare industry for a larger nursing workforce.
Licensure
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) must be passed to get licensure as an LVN. This exam is computer-based and includes four major categories known as “Client Needs.” These four categories include:
- Providing an effective and safe environment.
- Promoting and maintaining health,
- Psychosocial integrity and
- Physiological integrity.
Each state has its own rules for licensure, so check with a local Board of Nursing for details.
Salary and LVN Jobs
The salary a LVN can expect to earn varies somewhat, but the average salary for a licensed vocational nurse who is new to the workforce ranges from $35,000 to $45,000, which many employment counselors believe is a fairly high salary for a career path that requires so little formal education. There are a wide variety of career paths available for a licensed vocational nurse. Most new nurses get started by working in general medical hospitals or nursing care facilities. Many go on to work in specialized services such as LVN jobs in corrections or as private practitioners. Depending on the career path that a nurse chooses to take, networking can play a very significant role in securing a good position in the health care industry, so it is important for a new nurse to cultivate contacts in his or her field in order to be considered for career advancements down the line.
Employment as an LVN is believed to grow by about 21%—this is much faster than most other occupations as it is expected that the demand for trained health care professionals will continue to grow along with an increase in the aging population. LVNs are a vital part of the health care field and are taking over more and more patient care responsibilities.
So, if you are good with people and can provide a caring, nurturing presence, becoming an LVN may be the right ticket for finding a rewarding, fulfilling career in a much-appreciated health care field!