Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) help care for ill or injured people under the direction of physicians, dentists and registered nurses. Most LVNs provide basic bedside care to patients such as taking vital signs, applying dressings, helping patients with bathing and personal hygiene, and administering prescribed medic ations. LVNs observe and report patients' symptoms, reactions to treatment and medication, and progress.

Work Environment

Licensed vocational nurses can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, physician's offices, private homes, businesses and health departments. They generally work 40-hour weeks, including weekends, nights and holidays. The work demands that they be on their feet most of the time and requires bending, stooping, lifting and walking. They work as part of the health care team caring for the patient.

Length of Training

Vocational nursing training programs usually require one year of study and are offered in community colleges, technical and vocational centers, and hospitals. Supervised clinical experience is provided in hospitals and other settings. LVNs may advance to registered nurse with additional training.

Licensure/Certification

Graduates of vocational nursing programs approved by the Texas State Board of Nursing must pass the NQEX-PN comprehensive examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and approved by the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.

Education Programs

C=Certificate, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate

Professional Associations

Licensed Vocational Nurses Association of Texas (LVNAT)
(512) 302-3979

National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
(301) 588-2491

National Federation of Licensed Vocational Nurses, I nc. (NFLVN)
www.nflpn.org

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