LPN-Licensed-Vocational-Nurse-LVN/">Licensed vocational nursesLPN-Licensed-Vocational-Nurse-LVN/">LVNscare for individuals who are physically or mentally ill, injured, or otherwise unable to care for themselves. LVNs perform their duties under the supervision of doctors or registered nurses. The education requirements for LVNs vary from state to state, as does the average LVN salary.
LVNs perform a vast array of duties, which can differ greatly depending on the facility at which the LVN is employed. However, there are certain duties that almost all vocational nurses perform, regardless of where they work. These include measuring and recording patients' blood pressure, respiration, temperature, pulse, and level of pain. The latter is considered the 5th vital sign in many states, and is part of standard patient assessment protocol.
LVNs are also responsible for helping patients with personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and other activities in their daily lifestyle. Some nurses are also responsible for providing wound care, inserting catheters, performing enemas, and administering intravenous and oral medications. Recording food and fluid intake or bladder and bowel activity is another responsibility for most LVNs. Many vocational nurses also assist with recreational activities and ambulation.
The salary range for most LVNs practicing in the United States is approximately $33,000 and $46,000 per year. The annual salary of LVNs who are employed by health care agencies is generally higher than salaries earned by those who work for one specific employer.
For example, nurses who work for an employment agency will earn about $45,000 per year, while LVNs who work for a dedicated employer earn approximately $35,000 and $40,000. Those employed by physicians generally earn the lowest salaries, which typically range between $33,000-$35,000 annually.
Each LVN is required to complete a practical nursing program that is approved in their state of practice. Every state is able to provide a list of educational institutions which meet the standards necessary for their requirements. Almost all vocational schools offer nursing programs, and many are also provide at junior and community colleges. Training can take 1 to 2 years to complete, but education requirements also differ by state. Nurses must also earn a passing grade on the National Council License Examination, or NCLEX-VN to be considered a licensed vocational nurse.
Most LVNs work in generalized healthcare settings, but some vocational nurses choose to specialize in order to pursue higher earnings or begin a career path. For instance, vocational nurses who work in surgical hospitals typically earn over $6,000 more each year than nurses who work in general healthcare facilities. LVNs who are employed in nursing homes can pursue the position of charge nurse, and the additional responsibilities that come with such as position. In addition, an LVN salary in an urban area is usually higher than the salary offered to those who choose to work in rural parts of the country.
Individuals who are interested in nursing will discover that there is a vast amount of employment opportunities that are awaiting them countrywide. Because of this, regardless of which vocational path that is chosen within the medical field, there is always an opportunity for a rewarding career that will last a lifetime.
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