If you are wondering what the profession of Licenced Vocational Nurse is and what qualifications are required, you have come to the right place.

Today we will talk about the duties of a Licenced Vocational Nurse (LVN), what qualifications you need to become one, and what opportunities you have once you have become an LVN.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the role of an LVN and decide if this is the career path you want to take.

What does a Licensed Vocational Nurse do?

Licensed Vocational Nurses are entry-level healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of nurses or physicians. They provide basic nursing services in medical facilities or at home.

They usually monitor patients, assess their health and help them with basic daily tasks. Also, oftentimes they are providing meals to patients, assisting them in daily routine, as well as other medical services that we will mention in more detail in one of the next paragraphs.

Where do LVNs work?

LVNs have a variety of options when it comes to the workplace because their position is in high demand. They can provide medical services at home or work in many different medical facilities.

Some of the most popular places of employment include public or private hospitals, nursing homes, various care facilities and public institutions such as schools, correctional facilities and military organisations.

Duties and responsibilities

The duties of a Licenced Vocational Nurse are quite varied and can differ depending on the workplace. As we have already mentioned, they usually provide basic medical assistance and are an essential part of any patient’s well-being. They help patients dress and clean themselves, change bandages and bring them meals.

Other tasks of an LVN include monitoring patients’ vital signs, updating their charts, caring for their wounds, administering medication, administering IV fluids and cleaning and managing medical instruments.

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Qualifications

To become a Licenced Vocational Nurse, you first need a GED or high school diploma. The next step would be to enrol in an LVN programme, which usually takes a year. There are many different ways to complete it, even online courses are possible.

Once you have completed the LVN course, you must pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam and obtain your LVN certification. This makes you a licensed LVN practitioner and you can apply for jobs.

This certification is a great start to a medical career as it can be the first step on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse, or even a Lead Nurse one day.

Apart from the certifications, as an LVN you should have good communication skills, detail orientation, empathy, flexibility and a good physical condition as you will often have to help heavy patients with their daily needs.

LVNs care for many different patients and the position can vary greatly depending on the workplace, but the most important thing you need to bring is a love of helping others.

Want to explore more jobs in the medical field? Read about Legal Nurse Consultant Job Description.

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What is the difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Certified Nursing Assistant?

The main difference is that Licenced Vocational Nurses are generally responsible for medical tasks, while Certified Nursing Assistants are more likely to perform assistant tasks and cleaning duties.

Both professions are currently in high demand and are a good career path for anyone who wants to work in the medical field.

Another important difference between these two professions are the salaries, as LVNs usually have higher salaries.

What is the difference between LVN and LPN?

The duties and roles of the Licenced Vocational Nurse and the Licenced Practical Nurse are basically the same and the only difference is the state in which you work. The LVN designation is most commonly used in Texas and California, while in the other states they are called LPNs.

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