Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) are known as Licensed Practical nurses (LPNs) in New York (NY) and all other states.
The job duties of LVN and LPN are the same. The only key difference is the name. Texas and California use the term Licensed Vocational Nurses, while New York uses the term Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
LVNs and LPNs work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses (RNs). They provide patients with basic bedside care such as primary nursing care, documenting the performance of prescribed medical treatments, and so on.
What Are the Typical Responsibilities of an LVN?
As an LVN, your responsibilities consist of the following:
- Provide medical support to doctors, RNs, and patients.
- Interview patients and gather information about their medical histories.
- Provide essential care to patients such as helping them with eating, toileting, and bathing.
- Take patient vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
- Review medical records and record new information.
- Give patients prescribed medications.
- Draw blood and forward it to the lab.
- Setting up ventilators and other breathing treatments.
- Stock the supply room.
Where Do LVNs Typically Work?
Most LVNs work in the following post-acute care settings:
- Assisted living facilities.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s care facilities.
- Hospice care facilities.
- Urgent care clinics.
- Ambulatory surgery centers.
- Home health care facilities.
- Community care facilities for the elderly.
What Are the Requirements to Become an LVN?
As stated earlier, an LVN is also called an LPN in New York. To be licensed and registered as an LPN/LVN in New York State, you must:
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- High school degree or the equivalent.
- Be of good moral character.
- Register and complete an approved (New York State Education Department) NYSED nursing education program.
- Finish New York State mandatory infection control coursework.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) or any other recommended NYSED license examination.
- Apply for an LPN license with NYSED.
What Are the Benefits of Working as an LVN?
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Start working early
Most Licensed Vocational Nurses complete their education and can prepare for a career within 12 and 20 months, while other nursing education programs require more than twice that amount of time to finish.
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An opportunity to further your education
Once you earn your LVN certification and work for a period of time, you can study to become a registered nurse (RN). Furthering your education allows you to further your expertise in a focus area of nursing and increase your income.
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An opportunity to make a difference
As an LVN, you’ll make a difference in people’s lives. LVNs are a source of comfort that makes them feel comfortable, adding to their overall well-being.
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Flexible work hours
Since LVNs are required 24/7 and in high demand in New York, you can set your work hours to suit your schedule. This is ideal for good work/life balance and to people further your education.
What Is the Average Pay for an LVN?
The average pay for a Licensed Vocational Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in New York, NY is $50,284 a year, $4,190 a month, and $24.18 an hour.
These figures vary greatly, suggesting that there may be more opportunities for increased pay based on experience and skill levels.
Advice to Become an LVN
As a licensed vocational nurse, you must be genuinely sympathetic to your patient’s concerns. Most of your patients experience an array of emotions while they are in your care, such as depression, anger, and anxiety.
So if you have the attention to detail, patience, and the mental fortitude to care for patients during those moments, then you’re a good fit for an LVN job.
If you’re looking for freedom, flexibility, and amazing benefits, then apply to become an IntelyPro today.