What does a vocational nurse do for work?

I'm exploring different career paths and heard about vocational nursing. Can someone explain what exactly a vocational nurse does day-to-day? Is it mostly assisting doctors, or do they have other roles?

A vocational nurse, also known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some places or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in others, has a variety of responsibilities in the healthcare field. While their exact duties can vary greatly depending on the setting, there are several common tasks they generally perform.

Firstly, vocational nurses provide basic patient care. This could involve helping patients with routine activities like eating, bathing, or dressing, taking vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature, and administering basic nursing care like changing bandages or inserting catheters.

Secondly, they can administer medications and perform certain medical procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a doctor. This might involve giving injections, applying dressings, or carrying out health assessments.

Thirdly, vocational nurses interact with patients and their families. They often serve as a key point of contact, and provide education about various health conditions, medications, and treatment plans.

Finally, vocational nurses play a significant role in monitoring patients' health and reporting their observations. They might track and document a patient’s recovery, note any adverse reactions to medications or treatments, and then communicate these details to the broader healthcare team.

While the major part of their work involves assisting doctors and registered nurses, vocational nurses are integral to healthcare delivery as they often spend a lot of time with patients - providing direct care and creating a supportive and comfortable environment for them. Keep in mind, though, that the job scope can change based on the healthcare setting, such as a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, or a private practice.