What Is a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

Although most nurses opt to get a registered nursing license, many others opt to get a vocational (often also referred to as practical) nursing licensure. Many registered nurses will embark on their nursing career as a vocational nurse, completing the training to that of a registered nurse only after a few years of working as a practical nurse.

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a nurse who completed a vocational nursing program, and passed the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. This one-to-two year training program is offered by many community colleges and other vocational schools.

The LVNs work is to care for patients in many ways:

• Basic bedside care: The practical nurse will measure and record patients' vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. He or she will also be the one who prepares and gives injections and enemas, monitors catheters, dresses wounds, and gives alcohol rubs and massages. Sometimes the LPN will also be called to assist their patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, or in moving in bed, standing, and walking. The vocational nurses might also feed patients who need help eating. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.


• Collecting and keeping medical data: A licensed vocational nurse will often be called to collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, and record food and fluid intake and output. She may also be called to help physicians and registered nurses perform tests and procedures. Sometimes she will be asked to monitor her patient and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments.

What are the qualities needed to be a good LVN?

A person aspiring to be a good practical nurse should have a caring, sympathetic nature, with good communication skills. Working with the sick and injured can be stressful, and a person dealing daily with human pain should be emotionally strong and stable. The LVN also needs to be observant, and to have good decision-making skills. As the vocational nurse will often work under the supervision of doctors or registered nurses, a person going into this profession must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision.

The Work Environment

Vocational nurses may be found working in hospitals, clinics and many other healthcare facilities. Others may work in nursing homes, doctors' offices, or in home healthcare.

Most LVNs work a 40-hour week. In some work settings where patients need round-the-clock care, LVNs may have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. About 20 percent of licensed vocational nurses work only part-time.