As healthcare service needs continue to rise, we can expect the demand for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) expected to grow. According to 1the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are already 64,000 practicing LVNs within the state of California. Overall, it’s been predicted the field will balloon 11% by 2028, a much higher rate of growth than other niches will likely experience.
With nurses serving as the backbone of the healthcare industry, we can expect extended care facilities to face a growing demand for LVNs and LPNs.
If you are passionate about serving people and helping families cope with unforeseen medical circumstances, you might want to consider a career as an LVN. Below, we answer some of the most common questions people ask about LVN programs.
8 Questions About Licensed Vocational Nursing Programs
- What is an LVN program?
LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse. If you want to become a licensed vocational nurse, you must graduate from a recognized LVN program. You can generally find such programs offered at state-approved vocational colleges, community colleges and private institutes.
An LVN program is designed to help you graduate with the confidence and qualifications to begin your career as a licensed vocational nurse. A good vocational nursing program will deliver solid foundational knowledge to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Students must past this test to legally practice as an LVN.
The program should also provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to land an entry-level vocational nursing position in a clinic, acute care hospital, medical office, HMO, long-term care facility, or other healthcare settings.
Subjects like human anatomy and physiology, first aid, pediatrics, surgical nursing pharmacology, diet and nutrition, geriatrics, obstetrics, psychology and mental health, patient care, social sciences, statistics, and mathematics are all covered in a typical LVN program.
- What classes can I expect to take during an LVN program?
An LVN program generally offers the following classes and course modules:
- Introduction to Client-Centered Care: Students are given an introduction to anatomy, nutrition, physiology, and pharmacology. They will also learn the essential concepts of pre- and post-operation surgical nursing care.
- Client Care with Health Care Deviations I and II: This series of courses covers nursing intervention and psychosocial aspects of caring for clients with various alterations of health. It also involves clinical work.
- Advanced Client Care: This module involves clinical work and covers obstetrics, pediatrics, and mental health.
- Nursing License Preparation: To prepare for the program’s final examination, students will receive a complete recap of the program.
If you would like to explore the training objectives, program outline, and details of modules of an LVN program from an accredited institute, check out the Vocational Nursing program at ACC (American Career College).
- What are the duties of an LVN?
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are vital to any healthcare team. The duties of an LVN may include any of the following tasks:
- Monitoring patients' health, including checking their temperature and other vital signs
- Administering necessary nursing care, including inserting catheters, dressing wounds, and changing bandages
- Looking after the basic comfort of patients, including helping them bathe or dress
- Helping patients feel comfortable by discussing healthcare with them and listening to their concerns
- Regularly reviewing charts and reporting patient health status to registered nurses (RN) and doctors
- Collecting samples and maintaining the patient health records
In addition to these duties, it’s important that LVNs demonstrate skills such as leadership, supervision, and holistic patient interaction.
- Does becoming an LVN require a certificate or degree?
While licensed vocational nurses don’t need a college degree in order to practice, they do need to undergo training and receive a certification from an accredited college or institute.
Different vocational nursing colleges offer different types of training programs. You will find that some institutes offer a non-degree diploma in the subject, while others offer an associate’s degree or a certificate.
- Are LVN nurses?
Yes, both RNs and LVNs fall under the umbrella of nursing. There are certain RN duties, such as administering IV drugs or completing a health assessment, that LVNs are not permitted to do on their own. However, LVN nurses maintain a number of important responsibilities.
- What are the different levels of nursing, from lowest to highest?
Here’s a list of nursing personnel ranked from positions requiring the lowest to the highest amount of training and responsibilities:
- Nursing Aid/Nursing Assistant (since these individuals do not hold a license, they are not considered “nurses”)
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) (while these individuals are certified, they are still not considered “nurses”)
- Licensed Professional Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) (includes Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Mid-Wife, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists)
- What is the difference between an LVN and LPN?
The titles are essentially the same. Licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is used specifically in Texas and California. In all other states, licensed vocational nurses are known as licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
- How long does it take to become an LVN?
Typically, most LVN programs can be completed in about 12 months. However, state-approved programs provide the number of clinical hours that are necessary to meet the certification requirements of your state. Depending on your state and chosen criteria, it can sometimes take anywhere between one to two years to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
A rewarding career awaits for those who decide to enroll in an LVN program. As an LVN, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with diverse healthcare teams and experience serving different patient populations.
We hope this article helped clarify any confusion and will help you make informed decisions for your future. All the best!
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