LVN Programs: Training for Your Career in Nursing

lvn schools An LVN, also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, is an individual who handles many of the duties of the registered nurse without the need for extensive education and licensing. LVP programs are perfect for those who are thinking about getting into the health professions but do not want to go through the intensive education and work necessary to become fully licensed. The first thing to understand about LVP programs is the actual job requirements of an LVN. A licensed vocational nurse is still a nurse who has gone through training. The nurse goes through training to cover many of the basic acts of a regular nurse. An LVN must do all of their work under the supervision and presence of a physician or registered nurse, however, as they have not met the full requirements needed to work on their own. Each state completely dictates the work that a licensed vocational nurse will be able to do while under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. While some states severely restrict what the vocational nurse can do, others allow them to perform more serious tasks. Some nurses choose to become certified in various important health care actions to be able to perform more in the hospital or physicians office. Taking blood, starting IV lines, and administering medications are all important actions that are dictated by the state board. Some LVNs can perform these actions, some can receive licenses to do so, and others will not be able to perform them with their current title. LVN programs are much shorter than RN programs, making them incredibly popular with a large section of the population. People want to get into the health care industry but do not want to spend the time to become a full nurse. Unlike registered nurses, who will go four years for their education, LVN programs only require a year or two of training. LVN program still feature many of the same basic classes, including anatomy and patient interaction and care. The requirements for licensure in the LVN field will different from state to state. It is important to note that most states are going to require something resembling an internship for the individual wishing to receive their license. They must have logged, detailed hours of the work they have performed and must acquire all of this information to finally receive their license for vocational nursing. There are plenty of different job opportunities for those who have decided to go through an LVN program. The most popular locations for LVNs include nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. These are locations that only need to administer basic care, a perfect setting for the LVN. These locations will have a few RNs to help supervise the LVNs but will rely heavily on the vocational nurses for medications and general aid.