Licensed vocational and practical nurses provide basic nursing services to patients in hospital, long-term facilities, doctors' office and private homes. Under the supervision of either a doctor or a registered nurse, they perform tasks that include patient assessment and diagnosis. The job duties are varied, and nurses can specialize in different areas of nursing care.
LVN Job Outlook and Pay
Most licensed vocational nursing (LVN) professionals work in long-term and hospital care facilities. But they can also be found in doctor's offices, home health agencies, or other medical settings. Some may also work weekends and holidays in order to accommodate their patients' needs. They may take vitals signs, administer medicine, change bandages and caths, or help patients dress and bathe.
LPNs or LVNs can expect to earn a median of $43,170 a yearly, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries vary depending on the level of education and experience, as well as geographic location.
How to Become a LPN/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 usually lasts between one and two years, and includes both lecture-style classes and clinical experiences.
During this program, you study leadership, pharmacology (pharmacology), communication skills as well as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. You also study gerontology and maternity nursing, which are specialized areas of nursing care.
After you complete your program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) exam to receive your license. To maintain your license, you must continue to take continuing education in the state where you are employed.
What is a LVN?
In some states like Texas and California, LVNs may be called licensed vocational nurses. Other states refer to them as licensed practical nurse. LVNs generally work under the direction of a registered nurse or doctor, and they perform basic bedside care to patients. They are able to monitor vital signs, offer patient care assistance, and give counseling.
What is the job of a LVN, and how can you become one?
You must possess a GED or high school diploma to be a certified vocational nurse. You can obtain a certificate through a hospital, nursing school, or complete an associate degree.
Visit the website of the American Association of Licensed Vocational Nurses to learn more about a LVN career. They have a career center where you can post your resume and apply for jobs.
How to Become a LPN/LVN
To become a LPN/LVN, you'll need to finish a one-year, state-approved training program at a local community college, vocational institution, or hospital. To earn your license, you will need to pass the NCLEX PN. You can get a certificate in this field or an associate degree. To maintain your license, you must complete a specific number of hours in continuing education every year.
FAQ
What is the difference between health system and health services?
Healthcare systems go beyond providing health services. They encompass everything that happens in the overall context of people’s lives, such as education, employment, housing, and social security.
Healthcare services on the other hand focus on medical treatment for specific conditions like diabetes, cancer, and mental illness.
They may also be used to refer to generalist primary-care services that are provided by community-based practitioners under the guidance of an NHS hospital Trust.
How can my family have access to high-quality health care?
Your state will probably have a department of health that helps ensure everyone has access to affordable health care. There are programs that cover low-income families and their children in some states. For more information, please contact the Department of Health in your state.
Who is responsible to ensure public health?
All levels of government have a role in public health. Local governments have control over roads, schools, parks, recreation areas, and other public services. The laws and regulations governing food safety, workplace safety as well as consumer protection are enacted by both the national and state governments.
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)
- 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)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
External Links
How To
What are the four Health Systems?
Healthcare systems are complex networks of institutions such as hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical companies or insurance providers, government agencies and public health officials.
The goal of this infographic was to provide information to people interested in understanding 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 nearly twice the amount of the entire defense spending 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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There were more than 300 million Americans without insurance as of 2014.
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Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has been passed into law, it is not yet fully implemented. There are still large gaps in coverage.
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The majority of Americans think that the ACA needs to be improved.
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The US spends more than any other nation on healthcare.
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If every American had access to affordable healthcare, the total cost would decrease by $2.8 trillion annually.
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Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers and other insurance policies cover 56%.
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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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Public programs provide hospitalization, inpatient surgery, nursing home care, long-term health care, and preventive services.
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Medicare is a federal program which provides senior citizens with coverage for their health. It pays for hospital stays and skilled nursing facility stays.
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Medicaid is a joint state-federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who make too much to qualify for other benefits.