Thinking of becoming an LPN/LVN? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses enter the workforce. Each state sets its own requirements for how these two types of nurse are licensed. In some states, the term Licensed Vocational Nurse is used to describe the type of license given to a basic level nurse.
A typical LPN program requires one full year of training at a hospital, community college or vocational institution. Once your year is up, you are allowed to take the NCLEX-PN. After that, you’ll be qualified to work in a hospital, but your responsibilities will be limited as you’ll be working under the close supervision of a registered nurse.
Responsibilities of LPNs can include:
- Taking vital signs
- Preparing and administering injections
- Applying dressings and bandages
- Providing alcohol massages or rubs
- Monitoring and reporting patient changes
- Collecting samples for testing
- Feeding patients
You must pass an educational program that’s approved by your state’s board of nursing in order to take the NCLEX-PN exam, which, if you pass, will get you a license.
This is often a great stepping stone for those who want to become an RN later on as most LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN programs grant credit for any prior course work.