What Does a Vocational Nurse Job Entail?

I'm considering becoming a vocational nurse. Can someone break down what the day-to-day responsibilities are like and what skills I'll need? I'm still in high school and trying to figure out if this is the right path.

Being a vocational nurse, often referred to as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN), can entail a range of responsibilities and duties, depending on the healthcare setting you choose to work in. Generally, they work under the guidance of registered nurses and doctors.

Day-to-day tasks may include:

1. Patient Care: This forms a significant part of an LVN's role. They take care of patients' basic needs, such as bathing and dressing.

2. Health Monitoring: LVNs often monitor vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. They're the first line of contact and alert doctors if a patient's health changes.

3. Administering Medication: From injections to oral medications, vocational nurses are typically involved with their administration.

4. Reporting and Record-Keeping: LVNs document patient health information, track their symptoms and responses to medications, and report to the healthcare team.

5. Wound Care: They're often responsible for changing patients’ bandages and monitoring wounds.

6. Patient comfort: Ensuring patients are comfortable and providing emotional support are also tasks within the purview of a vocational nurse.

In terms of skills, vocational nurses need to be strong communicators, as they'll interact with patients, family members, and other healthcare workers. They need to have an exceptional eye for detail, as they'll be managing medications and monitoring patient health. Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills are essential as well, especially when it comes to making informed decisions about a patient’s care or responding to changes in a patient's situation. Emotional resilience, given the often stressful nature of healthcare jobs, is a critical asset.

It's important to note that to become a vocational nurse, you'll need to complete a vocational nursing program after high school, which typically takes about a year. After completing the program, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed vocational nurse.

Remember, healthcare is a demanding field that can often be emotionally and physically challenging, so it would be beneficial to gain some first-hand experience before you commit to your vocational nursing path entirely. Perhaps you could look into summer programs, job shadowing, or volunteering in a healthcare setting to see if this field resonates with you.