Monday, November 12, 2012

Becoming an LVN

lvn schools LVN stands for License Vocational Nurse. A nurse that is licensed by the state to provide routine patient care. In some states, they use the term LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse rather than LVN. An LVN or LPN can work in a hospital, long-term care facility, convalescent home, doctor's office or surgical center. But it is in long-term care facilities or nursing homes that LVNs are in high demand and are being paid more.

Although LVNs can do most of what an RN does, there are still some things that only RNs can do. Like intravenous insertions. LVNs need to obtain IV certification in order to perform this and they must be supervised by RNs or doctors.

The LVN is usually trained for a year or two in anatomy, physiology and patient care. Unlike the RN, who has several years of advanced science and frequently has a four-year education. But then an LVN can specialize in afield of medicine that is most interesting to them.

There are many programs exist for LVNs. Community colleges and trade or medical schools offer LVN programs. These programs greatly vary in price. Community colleges are usually the least expensive ones while Trade schools are likely to be the most expensive ones. Like all licensed medical professionals, the LVN must maintain his or her license through continuing education. And requirements vary from state to state in the US.

Now, because of the current high rate of competition for getting into RN programs, there are more available LVN programs. The LVN also has an advantage in case he or she wishes to obtain an RN. Because most of the training programs offered for RNs will give preference to those with experience in the field.

A Licensed Vocational Nurse, or LVN, is the basic nursing certification. In order to be an LVN, you have to complete high school with a high GPA (3.0 or above ). It is advisable to take the SAT or ACT exam. Although these exams are not requirements to earn an LVN, many LVNs eventually go on to earn RN or BSN degree, which do require these test. You have to register yourself in a one year program involving work in a hospital setting, at a college or a vocational program after high school. LVNs take much less time to complete the requirements compare to RNs or BSN. After you completed the course of study approved by the state's board of nursing, you need to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. It is called NCLEX-PN because in many states a Licensed Vocational Nurse or LVN is known as LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse. After passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and after working in a hospital or other medical setting for a certain period of time, consider enrolling in an LVN-to-RN program. This is a common career move for many LVNs who find that they desire more diverse responsibilities in their jobs.

0 comments:

Get Paid To Promote, Get Paid To Popup, Get Paid Display Banner