What Does an LVN Do?

You've been exploring various healthcare careers and came across the term LVN. Now, you're curious to find out more.

Specifically, you want to know what LVNs are, what they do, and what skills and education they need to have. In this article, we'll answer all of these questions and more.

What Is an LVN?

LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse. An LVN is a nursing professional who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health services.

LVNs are often referred to as LPNs, or licensed practical nurses. Both roles provide the same types of care and require the same basic training.

That said, LVNs and LPNs may be trained to provide more advanced care in some places and may have more basic training in others. It all depends on the regulations governing each individual state.

LVNs have more training than certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, so they are able to provide more advanced care. They have less training than registered nurses (RN).

With that in mind, LVNs typically work under the supervision of an RN or a physician. Experienced LVNs sometimes act as supervisors for teams of less experienced LVNs or CNAs.

What Does an LVN Do?

LVNs provide basic nursing care for patients who are sick, injured, or disabled. The exact scope of their duties varies depending on their location and experience level.

Common tasks LVNs perform include:

• monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature
• cleaning and dressing wounds and other injuries
• assisting patients with basic hygiene such as bathing, dressing, and using the restroom
• listening to patient concerns and reporting findings to superiors
• writing reports and updating patient records

LVNs may also be called upon to help during emergencies. For example, they may need to perform CPR or assist other healthcare professionals with lifesaving interventions.

In some states, they are trained to administer medications, start IVs, and provide other more advanced interventions.

What Qualities and Skills Does an LVN Have?

LVNs perform work that is both physically and emotionally stressful. They must be mentally stable enough to handle the work without burning out.

They must be able to spend long hours on their feet, and they should also be strong enough to lift and move patients with or without assistance.

They should be able to stand the sight of blood, disfigurement, and death and be skilled at remaining calm during stressful situations.

They need to have a solid understanding of the human body and the various ailments it can experience.

LVNs must be good at communicating both with patients and other healthcare professionals, and they must be able to keep accurate and error-free written reports.

LVNs should be kind, compassionate, and empathic. Their job often involves listening to patient complaints, sympathizing with them, and doing whatever they can to make patients more comfortable.

They need to have an ability to follow directions from RNs and physicians. They must also have a strong eye for detail to be able to report patient health changes and anomalies to superiors.

Finally, LVNs will be most successful if they truly care about their patients and have a love for what they do. The work can be challenging, but it can also be highly rewarding.

What Education Does an LVN Need?

LVNs need to complete some basic training in nursing before they can begin working. Most start by completing a state-approved LVN training program.

These programs provide education in anatomy, physiology, biology, pathology, and other specialized subjects. Much of the learning is done in the classroom or online.

LVN students also have opportunities to practice what they learn by completing clinical components of their training program. These clinical hours are often obtained at hospitals and nursing homes.

LVN training programs typically take about one year to complete. Most result in a licensed vocational or licensed practical nursing diploma.

Some LVNs go on to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) through a community college or trade school. These programs take about two years to complete and can lead to better job opportunities.

What Are the Career Prospects for an LVN?

The majority of LVNs work in nursing homes, assisted living and rehab facilities, as well as other long-term care facilities.

Others work in hospitals and doctor's offices, while many also work in the home healthcare industry. A smaller percentage work for government agencies.

LVNs can obtain certification in specialized areas such as neonatal care and gerontology. These certifications can lead to higher-paying positions and career advancement in a particular field.

LVNs with an associate degree or several years of experience can pursue supervisory roles which allow them to exercise leadership skills and earn a better income.

Finally, those with an associate degree can pursue a registered nurse license, or they can go back to school to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to pursue more advanced nursing careers.

Consider Becoming an LVN Today

Becoming an LVN provides a variety of career opportunities and can be a great way to get started in the healthcare industry.

If this sounds like a good career for you, consider enrolling in an LVN training program online or in your community.