Licensed Vocational Nurse
What does a Licensed Vocational Nurse do?
- Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN's) assist in the care of patients with
medical problems.
- They administer medications, monitor equipment, change
dressings, and prepare food trays.
- They feed, bathe, massage and dress patients,
maintain patients' charts, and take temperatures and pulse rates.
- Private duty LVN's care for a single patient in the home or hospital and may do general
housekeeping as well.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN's) work in hospitals, both public and
private, in nursing and convalescent homes, in medical clinics and for health
service agencies, government agencies such as the Peace Corps, and in the
military. Some are self-employed working through nursing agencies for private
duty service.
Preparation:
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for admission to LVN
training programs. Quite a few community colleges offer one to two year
certificate training programs for LVN's. You can also get training and
experience in the military. Hospitals usually hire LVN's with experience. Newly
licensed LVN's frequently start at nursing or convalescent homes. There are
around 96 accredited schools throughout the state offering training. A list is
available from the Board of Vocational and Psychiatric Technicians Examiners in
Sacramento. Experience as a Nursing Assistant maybe helpful.
Educational Program(s):
Nursing