Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) work in a variety of healthcare settings that require skilled nursing care. They can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, clinics, schools, and correctional facilities.

An LVN works under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician, providing direct patient care, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures. They are responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, documenting medical histories and symptoms, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are essential to the healthcare system. They play an important role in caring for patients, supervising nursing assistants, and administering medications.

1. Patient Care:

One of the primary duties of an LVN is to provide basic care to patients. They are responsible for observing and monitoring patients’ conditions, recording vital signs like blood pressure, pulse rates, and temperature, and reporting any changes to the registered nurse or physician. LVNs also assist with patient hygiene, bathing, and feeding. Additionally, they help patients with mobility exercises and walking, as well as perform wound care and dressing changes.

2. Medication Administration:

LVNs administer medications like oral or intravenous drugs, injections, and vaccines, according to physician’s orders. They are responsible for explaining medication dosages and side effects to the patients. They also monitor for any adverse reactions or allergies to the prescribed drugs and report them to the physician.

3. Patient and Family Education:

LVNs educate patients and their families about various health conditions, treatments, and lifestyle changes. They may teach patients how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, or manage pain. LVNs may also instruct patients how to perform breathing exercises using respiratory therapy equipment, like nebulizers and spirometers.

4. Supervision of Nursing Assistants:

LVNs supervise and direct nursing assistants (NAs) in providing basic care and tasks like changing bed linens, lifting or transporting patients, and taking vital signs. They ensure that NAs perform their tasks correctly and safely and provide feedback on their performance to the nurse in charge.

5. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

LVNs are responsible for maintaining accurate and timely records of patients’ treatment plans, progress notes, and vital sign readings. They ensure that patient records are kept confidential and accessible only to authorized personnel. They also enter orders and reports and handle the paperwork required by insurance companies and regulatory agencies.