A Licensed Vocational Nurse is a health care professional who provides basic nursing care. Licensed Vocational Nurses frequently operate under the supervision of other medical professionals such as Registered Nurses.
What are the differences between a Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner?
A Licensed Vocational Nurse is a trained and educated nurse who can work in many different medical fields. It usually includes one to two years of study. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is the more common name for this profession.
RNs and LVNs have similar duties in caring for patients. There are, however, differences related to critical thinking skills, care planning, nursing scope of practice, education, and overall responsibilities. RNs are independent in many areas, while LVNs typically work under the supervision of an RN or physician
Licensed Vocational Nurses provide basic nursing care. Their duties vary depending on the work setting, but they typically have duties such as monitoring patients’ health – such as checking their blood pressure and Administering basic nursing care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters.
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
What does a Licensed Vocational Nurse do?
There are many different types of care that an LVN is trained to perform. This care can be basic assessments and vital signs. Also observing patients and reporting findings to Registered Nurses or doctors, give injections, and help patients with feeding and comfort needs.
Many other responsibilities depending on where the nurse works and can include anything from patient and family education to helping to fill out paperwork for the office or to file insurance forms.
Where can a Licensed Vocational Nurse Work?
LPNs most frequently work in hospitals, long term care facilities and doctor’s offices. Some LVN’s can also work in specialty areas, such as pediatrics, cardiology and endocrinology.
What will I learn in CHCP’s Vocational Nursing Program?
CHCP’s Vocational Nursing program will help prepare you for a career as a licensed practical nurse through instruction by experienced faculty and hands-on training. You can also complete your studies in just as little as one year, which means that you can begin working, making a difference, and earning a living quickly. Working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a very rewarding and highly respected occupation and career.
Blog Written By: AnnaMarie Johnson, LVN – VN Clinical Coordinator, The College Of Health Care Professions
