What is an LVN? (Licensed Vocational Nurse)

If you want to build or switch to a healthcare career that allows you to help and interact with patients directly, then becoming an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) could be the right choice for you.

However, people often confuse LVNs with other nursing roles. The title LVN is used only in Texas and California; elsewhere in the United States, the same role is called LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).

To help you understand the role of an LVN better, we’ve compiled this guide that describes daily duties, differences between similar roles, and how to become one.

What Is The Meaning Of Vocational Nursing?

Vocational nursing is an entry-level healthcare profession that provides basic nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or physician. Vocational nurses are an essential part of a medical team, focusing on direct patient care and support.

Why The Different Titles LVN and LPN?

The LVN and LPN roles are essentially the same; the difference is geographic. California and Texas use Licensed Vocational Nurse, while every other state uses Licensed Practical Nurse

Both titles refer to nurses who provide basic medical care under supervision and must complete a state‑approved program and pass the NCLEX‑PN exam. Individual state nursing boards dictate their scopes of practice; some states allow properly trained LPNs/LVNs to start IVs, while others restrict IV therapy to RNs.

What Does an LVN Do?

LVNs focus on direct, hands-on care and support for patients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of LVNs’ roles and responsibilities:

• Monitoring vital signs: Check blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs.
• Providing basic comfort: Change dressings, bathe and dress patients, assist with toileting and mobility.
• Administering medications and treatments: In some states, LVNs may administer prescribed medications and start IV drips; they also perform wound care and insert urinary catheters.
• Assisting with medical tests: Collecting samples and performing routine tests.
• Documentation and reporting: Record care provided and report patient status to RNs or physicians.
• Emotional support and patient education: Answer questions, listen to concerns, and teach family members how to care for loved ones.

Where Does an LVN Work?

Licensed vocational nurses usually work in:

• Hospitals: LVNs employed in hospitals usually help with wound care and monitor patients. However, most of the time, they are assisting with post-surgical recovery.
• Nursing homes: A majority of LVNs work in nursing homes. Here, they monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist with daily patient care. 
• Home healthcare: In this setup, LVNs offer one-on-one care to patients in their own homes. This includes everything from daily patient care assistance to medication management.
• Clinics: In a clinical setting, LVNs are responsible for collecting samples, administering medications, and educating patients.  

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for LVNs/LPNs is $62,340 per year. 

Additionally, employment is expected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Which City Pays the Most to LVNs/LPNs?

According to ZipRecruiter, Corcoran, CA pays the highest to  LVNs/LPNs. Here are the top 10 high-paying cities in the US:

NOTE: These salaries are for experienced LVNs/LPNS.

How to Become a LVN?

Step 1: Complete a State‑approved Practical Or Vocational Nursing Program

These programs are often offered by community colleges and technical schools and typically take about one year to complete. Coursework in these programs usually includes:

• Nursing fundamentals
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Supervised clinical practice (hands-on training)

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX‑PN

After completing the program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX‑PN) to obtain state licensure.

Step 3: Obtain Certifications

While not mandatory, many employers require proof of CPR or BLS certification. 

Additionally, you may also earn credentials in fields such as IV therapy, gerontology, or wound care to expand on your skills and job opportunities.

Step 4: Apply for Jobs

Upon obtaining certifications and updating your resume, you can start applying for roles on reputed platforms such as:

Indeed

LinkedIn

Health Career Center

NOTE: If you’re aiming for this career in Texas, adhere to the requirements stated by the Texas Board of Nursing. Likewise, check the requirements at the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

What Skills Are Required to Become a LVN?

• Medical knowledge: A good understanding of human anatomy, pharmacology, and medical terminology. These are usually taught in the training program. 
• Communication skills: As an LVN, you’d be interacting with physicians, nursing staff, and RNs, so great communication skills are required.
• Patient care: You’d also be required to comfort patients and their families.
• Attention to detail: Carefully administering medications, precisely taking vitals, and adhering to nursing protocols are part of the job.
• Critical thinking: Sometimes medical situations require quick action, and as an LVN, you should be able to respond efficiently.
• Physical stamina: LVNs spend hours on their feet and are required to lift and assist patients, so physical stamina is a must.

LVN vs RN vs NP vs CNA: Clearing the Confusion

Now, you have a greater understanding of LVNs. However, people often confuse multiple nursing roles, namely LVN, RN, NP, and CNA. Therefore, it becomes essential to understand the difference between them:

Final Words

A Licensed Vocational Nurse is a vital member of the healthcare team who delivers hands‑on patient care and bridges the gap between nursing assistants and registered nurses. 

Whether you choose to remain an LVN or use it as a stepping‑stone, vocational nursing offers a rewarding career that makes a tangible difference in patients’ lives.