What is Vocational Nursing?
Do you have a passion for helping others and a heart for providing compassionate care? If so, a vocational nursing career could be right for you!
Vocational nurses are vital members of a medical team, providing both physical and emotional support to patients in various settings. As a licensed vocational nurse, you’ll be able to make a difference in people’s lives through the care and support you provide.
Not only is vocational nursing a rewarding career, but it’s also a growing field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9% through 2030. So, there will be many job opportunities once you’ve completed your training.
But what exactly do vocational nurses do, and how do you get started in this career path?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly is Vocational Nursing?
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is responsible for providing most of the patient care in a hospital or medical facility. As a vocational nurse, you’ll offer physical care for patients and also educate them on how to continue their care at home.
LVNs are considered entry-level in the nursing profession. You can become a vocational nurse after completing a two-year associate degree and passing your national licensing exam. Vocational nurses work under a registered nurse (RN). An RN is a nurse who has completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing.
What Does a Vocational Nurse Do?
LVNs have many duties depending on the department in which they work. So, you’ll be responsible for using specific medical equipment and technology related to your nursing specialty.
All vocational nursing jobs also involve executing tasks to promote patient safety, comfort, and well-being. This includes duties such as:
- Offering Basic Assessments (Taking temperatures, blood pressure, etc.)
- Administering Medication
- Monitoring a Patient’s Vitals
- Recording Medical Histories and Documenting Changes
- Preparing and Giving IVs
- Assisting with Patient Treatments
- Providing Emotional Support and Reassurance
As you can see, LVNs are responsible for much of the direct patient care in a medical facility. Being a vocational nurse is not for everyone – it’s a career that requires a certain personality type and set of skills.
You’ll need to be compassionate, attentive, and able to remain calm during stressful situations. In addition, you must possess strong communication skills as you’ll serve as a go-between who alerts the physician of information about the patient.
How Do You Become a Vocational Nurse?
The first step to becoming an LVN is to enroll in a vocational nursing program. For Blake Austin College students/applicants, you will be required to complete 1530 education hours from a school approved by the California Nursing Board. Finally, after completion of your vocational nursing degree program, you will be required to pass a national board exam to become an LVN.
The vocational nursing program at Blake Austin College offers students a solid foundation in patient care and the confidence they need to become a leader in their field. We teach our students foundational nursing knowledge in the classroom and train them on the hands-on skills they will need in a clinical setting.
Our program aims to make students comfortable in their future roles, so they are ahead of the curve when they start their careers.
Where Do Vocational Nurses Work?
The majority of LVNs work in a hospital, but you can specialize in a specific department. This could include:
- Pediatrics
- Emergency care
- Surgical centers
- Long-term care facilities
When you specialize in one department, you may earn a higher wage than if you worked in the general medical ward. However, you will also carry more responsibility as you will be expected to know all of the information and procedures related to that part of the hospital. You also may have to work longer hours, especially if you specialize in an emergency department—such as a trauma unit.
If you’d rather not work in a hospital, you can choose to work in a clinic or a physician’s office (a private practice office). Working in a clinic or office may mean lower pay, but it may give you the opportunity to work shorter, more flexible hours and establish a routine.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking to pursue a career as an LVN, you must enroll in a local program that genuinely cares about your success. A vocational nursing program in Vacaville, California should not only prepare you to pass the exam but also prepare you for your future career.
Blake Austin College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Medical Terminology, hands-on nursing training, and clinical skills they need to excel in their chosen field. From day one, you will receive the guidance, knowledge, and support you need to succeed.
We invite you to learn more and enroll in our program today!