Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nursing assistants provide basic care to patients at hospitals, long-term health care facilities and physicians' offices. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor and perform tasks that involve patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They have a variety of job duties, and they can choose to specialize in different fields of nursing care.
LVN Employment Outlook and Pay
Most licensed vocational nurse (LVNs), however, may also work for physician's office or home healthcare agencies. They usually work a 40-hour week, and some may work on weekends or holidays to meet the needs of their patients. They may take vitals signs, administer medicine, change bandages and caths, or help patients dress and bathe.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs and LVNs make a median annual salary of $43,170. Salaries will vary based on level of education, experience and geographic location.
Learn how to become a LPN (LVN) or LVN
To become a licensed vocational or practical nurse, you must first complete a program approved by the state at a vocational or community college. The program is usually one to two-years long and includes lecture style courses and clinical practices.
You will take classes on communication skills, medical terminologies, human anatomy, physiology, medical codes, infection control and leadership. Gerontology and maternity are also specialized nursing areas.
If you want to get your license after completing your program, then you need to pass NCLEX-PN. You must also continue to complete continuing education hours to maintain your license in each state where you work.
What is a LVN?
In Texas and California for example, LVNs can be called licensed vocational nursing professionals. In some states they are known as licensed practical nurses. LVNs are usually under the supervision and direction of a nurse or doctor. They provide basic bedside patient care. They can monitor vital signs, assist with patient care, and provide counseling.
What Is the Job of an LVN?
A high school diploma or GED is required to become a registered vocational nurse. You can get a nursing certificate or a diploma from a nursing school or hospital. Or you can earn an associate's degree in vocational nursing.
You can find out more about a career as a LVN by visiting the American Association of Licensed Vocational Nurses' website. You can apply for jobs and post your resume in their career center.
Learn how to become a LPN/LVN
You must complete a state-approved one-year program in a vocational school, community college or hospital to become an LPN. You can obtain a certificate or associate degree in this field, and you must then pass the NCLEX-PN to earn your licensure. To maintain your license, you must complete a specific number of hours in continuing education every year.
FAQ
What is the difference between a doctor and a physician?
A doctor is an individual who has completed his/her training and is licensed to practice medicine. A physician is a specialist in one type of medicine.
What are medical systems and what do they mean?
Medical systems were designed to make people live longer and more healthy lives. They ensure that patients get the best care possible when they are in need.
They ensure that the right treatment is given at the correct time. They also give information that allows doctors to provide the best possible advice to each patient.
What is an infectious disease?
Infectious disease can be caused by germs (bacteria or viruses) Infectious diseases can spread quickly by close contact. Examples include measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), chickenpox, strep throat, tuberculosis, influenza, polio, hepatitis A and B, HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex virus, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Statistics
- Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. (bls.gov)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- For the most part, that's true—over 80 percent of patients are over the age of 65. (rasmussen.edu)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
What are the 4 Health Systems
The healthcare system is complex and includes many organizations, such as hospitals, clinics. pharmaceutical companies. insurance providers. government agencies. public health officials.
The overall goal of this project was to create an infographic for people who want to understand what makes up the US health care system.
Here are some key points:
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The GDP accounts for 17% of healthcare spending, which amounts to $2 trillion annually. This is almost twice as large as the entire defense budget.
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Medical inflation was 6.6% in 2015, higher than any other category of consumer.
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Americans spend 9% of their income annually on health.
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Over 300 million Americans are uninsured as of 2014.
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Although the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA), has been approved by Congress, it hasn't yet been fully implemented. There are still gaps in coverage.
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A majority believe that the ACA must be improved.
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The US spends a lot more money on healthcare than any other countries in the world.
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Affordable healthcare would lower the overall cost by $2.8 Trillion annually if everyone had it.
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Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers pay 56% of healthcare expenses.
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The top 3 reasons why people don't get insured include not being able to afford it ($25 billion), not having enough time to look for insurance ($16.4 billion), and not knowing about it ($14.7 billion).
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There are two types, HMO (health maintenance organization), and PPO (preferred providers organization).
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Private insurance covers almost all services, including prescriptions and physical therapy.
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The public programs include hospitalization, outpatient surgery and nursing homes. They also cover long-term care and hospice care.
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Medicare, a federal program, provides seniors with health insurance. It covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities stays, and home care visits.
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Medicaid is a program of the federal and state governments that offers financial assistance to low-income people and families who earn too much to be eligible for other benefits.