• What is an Licensed Vocational Nurse?
• So do I want to be an LVN or RN?
• Is the Vocational Nursing Profession a growing career?
• What are the work conditions of an LVN?
• What do I need to become an LVN?
• What is the typical salary for a LVN?

What is an Licensed Vocational Nurse?

An LVN provides basic bedside nursing care to clients under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. The LVN utilizes scientific and technical expertise and manual skills. Duties within the scope of practice for an LVN typically include, but are not limited to, provision of basic hygienic and nursing care, measurement of vital signs, basic client assessment, documentation, performance of prescribed medical treatments, administration of prescribed medications, and performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal (requires separate board certification). For a LVN fact sheet go to: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/licensing/licensed_vocational_nurses.shtml

So do I want to be an LVN or RN?

Choosing a nursing program is a very personal choice. For many prospective students, the choice involves decisions about finances (the need to support self/family), the need to begin school, the time allotted for school and future career plans. The Vocational Nursing program at Career Networks Institute lasts one year, and the typical RN program can last 2 to 4 not including the prerequisites the RN programs will require. For more information on LVN's/RN's go to: http://www.nursetown.com/view_article/?a_id=37

Many LVN's in California are members of professional organizations such as the California Licensed Vocational Nurses Association, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, or are members of specialty organizations. For more information on associations go to: http://www.clvna.org/ or http://www.napnes.org/ or http://www.enursescribe.com/nursorg3.htm#Note:

Is the Vocational Nursing Profession a growing career?

Employment of LVN's is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010 in response to the long-term care needs of a rapidly growing elderly population and the general growth of healthcare. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently.

Employment of LVN's in nursing homes is expected to grow faster than average. Nursing homes will offer the most new jobs for LVN's as the number of aged and disable person in need of long-term care rises. In addition to caring for the aged and disabled, nursing homes will be called on to care for the increasing number of patients who have been discharged from the hospital but who have not recovered enough to return home.

For more information on the LVN career go to: http://www.jcaho.org/news+room/press+kits/quick+statistics+on+the+nursing+shortage.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm

What are the work conditions of a LVN?

Most hospitals are well lit, ventilated, and have good equipment. Conditions in some work areas may be crowded and noisy. LVN's generally work 40 hours a week, but since patients need 24-hour care, they may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Nursing involves prolonged standing, a lot of walking, some lifting, bending, stooping and reaching. Lifting or turning patients can cause back strain. Other dangers include cuts from instruments, and exposure to infection and communicable diseases. Dependability, good judgment, adaptability, stability, and an interest in people are important for success. LVN's must also be able to follow detailed instructions. For more information on the nature of work and outlook go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm

What do I need to become an LVN?

The #1 method to become an LVN is to graduate from a Vocational Nursing school and pass the licensure exam. Nursing Schools have different requirements for entrance. If you are at least 17 years of age, have proof of 12th grade education or its equivalent and meet the minimum requirement for admission you may qualify for entry into the Vocational Nursing Program. For more information on becoming an LVN or on the licensure exam go to: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/factvn.htm and http://www.ncsbn.org/regulation/index.asp

What is the typical salary for a LVN?

The salary of a LVN will depend on what setting, hours and days a LVN works. Currently in the Orange County area the typical salary for an LVN is $40,012 (accessed 2/03) for more information on salaries in your area go to: http://www.nurseweek.com/salary/