What does a Licensed Vocational Nurse do?
A licensed vocational nurse provides basic bedside care to patients. Responsibilities can include monitoring blood pressure, helping patients get dressed and giving massages. They work under doctors and registered nurses. The title of licensed vocational nurse is used only in Texas and California. Elsewhere in the United States, they are called licensed practical nurses.
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Working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse
Some duties of a licensed vocational nurse can include:
- Helping people perform basic tasks like getting out of bed
- Taking samples to be tested
- Regularly monitoring the status of patients
- Communicating observations to doctors and nurses
- Understanding and following complicated instructions
How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a licensed vocational nurse is $32.39 per hour in the United States and $8,250 overtime per year.46.7k salaries reported, updated at January 27, 2023
Where can a Licensed Vocational Nurse earn more?
Compare salaries for Licensed Vocational Nurses in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Licensed Practical Nurse
121,435 job openingsAverage $33.67 per hour
Charge Nurse
482,296 job openingsAverage $30.72 per hour
Private Duty Nurse
20,524 job openingsAverage $26.80 per hour
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
19,604 job openingsAverage $76.16 per hour
Field Nurse
488,119 job openingsAverage $40.80 per hour
Family Medicine Physician
11,412 job openingsAverage $289,861 per year
Common questions about for a Licensed Vocational Nurse
What shifts do licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) work?
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are usually full-time employees who work 40 hours or more per week. Because LVNs are needed 24/7 in hospital settings, their shifts may include overnight hours, weekends or holidays. LVNs in other healthcare settings may work closer to standard business hours.
Where do licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) work?
Anywhere that cares for people could require licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). This includes nursing homes, hospitals and private care homes. LVN skills are transferrable to other healthcare organizations across the world, from voluntary positions like the Red Cross to hospitals in other countries.
What sort of personality is required to be a licensed vocational nurse?
A calm and patient personality is required. Empathy is an important characteristic, as this position requires someone who is able to show patients that they genuinely care about them and their needs. Licensed vocational nurses also need to be alert and ready to deal with a medical emergency in a professional way at a moment's notice. They should also be able to cope with emotional moments that come with the role and be able to continue working even when they are upset.
