A Vocational Nurse, also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), helps people who are unwell, injured, or can't care for themselves. They provide primary care, including monitoring vital signs and administering medications. They also treat wounds and support patients in their recovery. Registered nurses and doctors supervise their work. In some areas, people know them as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).‍ In this blog post, we'll dive into details about being a vocational nurse, including what they do, the salary of vocational nurse, their career outlook, and more.

What does an LVN do? 

An LVN, supervised by a registered nurse or doctor, can work in many healthcare places. Their duties and responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, which usually involve:

• Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate.

• Administering medications and injections as prescribed by healthcare providers.

• Assisting with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and feeding.

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create and implement patient care plans.

• Providing emotional support and education to patients and their families.

• Collecting samples for laboratory testing and performing basic laboratory procedures.

• Ensuring the cleanliness and organization of patient care areas.

• Documenting patient information and maintaining accurate medical records.

What skills do you need to be an LVN? 

To be a good LVN, you need both technical and people skills. Essential skills for this job include:

• Being able to talk and listen well to patients, their families, and other healthcare workers.

• Paying attention to details and organizing to keep good records and do tasks well.

• Being kind and understanding to support patients when they're having a tough time.

• Being able to think clearly and solve problems to care for patient needs and make good decisions.

• Being physically strong and able to keep going to care for patients, like standing for a long time and moving patients when needed.

How do you become an LVN? 

If you've made it this far in the article, it's clear that you're eager to take on the rewarding role of an LVN. Let's dive into the ins and outs of how you can make your dream of becoming an LVN a reality.

1. High School diploma: Getting a high school diploma or GED is usually the first step in any vocational career.‍

2. Enroll in an LVN training program: Look for state-approved vocational, technical, and junior college programs. Sometimes, even high schools offer them. These programs usually take 12 to 24 months. They teach you both in class and through real-world training in hospitals or clinics.

3. Take the NCLEX-PN exam: Once you finish training, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical or Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam. This test checks if you're ready to work as an LVN.

4. Get state licensure: Every state has different rules for becoming an LVN. For exact rules in your state, check with your state's Nursing Board or local job license office. All states need you to finish an LVN training program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Once you meet all requirements, you become an official LVN or LPN based on your state.

5. Get more training or certifications (optional): Earning special certificates can help you get more job offers. Some employers may require or prefer candidates with  Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications, so obtaining these certifications increases your chance of getting hired.

Where can you learn how to be an LVN?

To be an LVN, you must join a training program approved by your state. Vocational schools, technical schools, junior colleges, and sometimes high schools offer these. A standard LVN program generally takes around a year or two to finish. The average cost of these programs can range from $6,000 to $13,000. The specific school and the state location influence these programs' duration and moderate price.

Dreambound, for instance, offers a comprehensive list of vocational nurse certification classes catering to different learning preferences—both online and in-person- ensuring you gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel as a vocational nurse.

Salary and Career Outlook 

LVNs are well-paid and in demand in the healthcare field. As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average annual salary of $54,620 for LVNs, with a promising job outlook—projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. LVNs can work in many places, like hospitals, nursing homes, doctor offices, clinics, home health agencies, and schools. This gives more opportunities and lets LVNs work with many types of patients in different medical situations.‍

Additionally, here are some of the most popular and beneficial certifications you can also acquire to increase your employability and pay:

• IV Therapy

1. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
2. Wound Care Certification (WCC)
3. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)‍

Final Thoughts

If you're driven to impact people's lives positively, vocational nursing presents an excellent career choice. Becoming an LVN opens the door to a rewarding and promising job outlook. By choosing vocational nursing, you embark on a journey of providing quality patient care and contributing to the health and well-being of your community.

‍Dreambound commits to helping you achieve your dream of becoming an LVN by offering top-notch programs and unwavering support. Don't delay any longer—join Dreambound today and unlock the door to your dream career in vocational nursing. Your future awaits!

For more information about being an LVN, check out these exciting articles:

1. Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Registered Nurse
2. Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Patient Care Technician 
3. Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Assistant