The Important Role Of Licensed Vocational NursesLicensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or also referred to as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are those who are responsible for giving care to the sick, disabled, and injured. Licensed Vocational Nurses work under the close supervision and direction of registered nurses and physicians. It is important that Licensed Vocational Nurses are dedicated to their job for they may not last in such profession if they are not. Usually, Licensed Vocational Nurses duty last for only 40 hours a week or 8 hours a day. However, out of inevitable instances, they are to sometimes stay till late at night or work during weekends and holidays in their work places. The responsibility of everybody in the hospital is huge that is why certain sacrifices need to be made by the doctors and licensed vocational nurses just to ensure the health condition of their patients. Licensed Vocational Nurses must possess strong compassion and great sympathy for their patients in order for them to provide the health care and attention needed by these people. It is the task of these nurses to be careful and accurate with whatever they are doing for it is their patients' safety that may be put at risk if they make a simple mistake. Licensed Vocational Nurses' duties include taking vital signs (respiration, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure), giving injections, providing alcohol massages, and collecting samples that will undergo certain laboratory tests. In addition to that, Licensed Vocational Nurses are also responsible for keeping their patients' bed clean, fresh, and comfortable. Also, these nurses are to promote proper hygiene to their patients by assisting them in their bathing and dressing hours. Moreover, the said nurses are to record and keep track of their patients' food intake and recovery. Licensed Vocational Nurses help their patients in all their needs so as they will get well fast. Aside from the mentioned LVN jobs and responsibilities, Licensed Vocational Nurses handle some clerical works as well. Licensed Vocational Nurses are very flexible individuals. For this reason, it is not too surprising to learn that in 2004 an estimate of 726,000 LVN jobs have been reported available for the competent nurses. LVN jobs are everywhere to be found: some are in the hospitals, others are in nursing care facilities, and few are in physicians' offices. Many nurses end up working for home health care services and home for the aged centers. No matter where these nurses decide to go however, it is their love for what they are doing -- caring for their patients, that would lead them somewhere. Talents and knowledge can be acquired through times and hard work. On the other hand, love, attention, and care, which is needed in nursing, is something that comes naturally from within. |