Licensed Practical Nurses or Licensed Vocational Nurses, as they are called in California and Texas, provide bedside care to the ill, injured, convalescent, and physically disabled. They provide services in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or similar institutions. LPN's/LVN's work under the supervision of a Registered Nurses (RN's) and provide care that requires technical knowledge and skill but not necessarily the in-depth professional training and education as a Registered Nurse.
An LVN's responsibilities include but are not limited to taking and recording the patient's temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate; dressing wounds; giving massages; administering injections; applying compresses, ice bags, and hot water bottles; administering certain medications; helping the patient with bathing and other personal hygiene routines.
LVN's can specialize in one of several related areas of medicine. Such as Pediatrics, Intensive Care, Coronary Care, OB/GYN, Surgery, Emergency Room, and more.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Career Spotlight
Average Salary*
$22,000 - $28,000
Educational Requirements*
Persons interested in becoming a LVN/LPN must have their high school diploma or an equivalent. A 12-18 month state approved Vocation/Practical nursing program must be completed. Afterwards, a state licensure must then be obtained. Most of the programs are offered at vocational/technical schools & community colleges.
Associated Affiliations
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses - 1418 Avesboro Rd., Garner, NC 27529
American Nurses Association - 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 100 West, Washington, DC 20024 (800) 274-4ANA
