LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSES California Occupational Guide Number 313 Interest Area 13 1997
THE JOB
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are important members of a health team. They care for persons who are physically or mentally ill, including medical and surgical patients, convalescents, the handicapped, the frail elderly, and others. Under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses, they do nursing that requires technical knowledge. In hospitals, they take temperatures, pulse and blood pressure, keep medical charts, change dressings, help patients keep clean, and get patients ready for examination. They watch for changes in patients' conditions, know what these changes could mean, and take necessary action. LVNs give prescribed medicine and give injections. They may draw blood for testing and give intravenous fluids. LVNs help doctors in diagnosis and therapy, and help the health team plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care. They may also supervise nurse aides.
After specialized training, LVNs may work in psychiatry, surgery, intensive care, or coronary care. LVNs also teach patients health care.
LVNs work in clinics and in private offices, for doctors and dentists, where they assist in preparing patients, putting on bandages and explaining health procedures. They may also schedule appointments and keep records on patients. LVNs who work in patients' homes may have more duties. In addition to nursing, they may cook for their patients, keep rooms orderly, see that patients are comfortable and in good spirits, and show other family members how to do simple nursing. Because of the growth in the aging population, long- term care is now an important part of the LVN job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most hospitals are well lit, ventilated, and have good equipment. Conditions in some work areas may be crowded and noisy. LVNs generally work 40 hours a week, but since patients need 24-hour care, they may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Nursing involves prolonged standing, a lot of walking, some lifting, bending, stooping and reaching. Lifting or turning patients can cause back strain. Other dangers include cuts from instruments, and exposure to infection and communicable diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. The pressure from working on a constant emergency basis can result in stress and tension. Dependability, good judgment, adaptability, stability, and an interest in people are important for success. LVNs must also be able to follow detailed instructions.
Many LVNs in California are members of the California Licensed Vocational Nurses Association, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, or are members of unions, such as the Service Employee's International Union.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number California Licensed Vocational Nurses in California will reach 58,670 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 11,710 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 12,620 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 11,710 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 24,330 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Hospitals are under pressure to lower costs and are using LVNs in place of registered nurses. An increase in the aging population needing long term care is also causing a demand for more LVNs.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
State law requires that LVNs be licensed under the provisions of the Vocational Nursing Practice Act, which is administered by the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, Department of Consumer Affairs. To qualify for a license an applicant must be at least 17 years old, have graduated from a state-approved school of vocational nursing, and pass the licensing exam. The exam is scheduled three times a day, six days a week at several locations throughout California. The Board Application fee is $50, and the license fee is $75. The license must be renewed every two years at a cost of $75. Licensed Vocational Nurses renewing their licenses must submit proof of 30 hours of continuing education during the previous two years. Rules have been established to ensure standards for continuing education. These standards provide for alternate forms of continuing education such as academic studies, in-service education, institutes, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, extension studies and home programs.
Though not always, schools often require a personal interview, a physical exam, malpractice insurance, and personal references. All necessary items: uniforms, shoes, textbooks, a required watch, and insurance generally cost a student over $500. Vocational nursing programs must have at least 1,530 hours of study and practice for at least 46 weeks. The course includes classroom instruction, lab experience and patient care. Intravenous certification must be gotten after licensing.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
LVN salaries depend on the size of the community, type of hospital, and the type of job. Pay is higher in acute care hospitals and in the big city areas. Beginning wages go from $8.00 to $16.00 per hour. Wages for experienced LVNs go from $10.00 to $20.00 per hour. A salary of 10-15 percent more is paid for evening or night shift.
Many patients need 24-hour care, so LVNs may work different shifts. Acute care hospitals and other health care agencies usually offer LVNs a 40-hour weekly schedule. Part-time work is also available. New employees often have to start on the evening or night shift.
Most employers provide fringe benefits, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, and pension plans.
ADVANCEMENT
LVNs who have a degree or diploma from an accredited school of professional nursing are eligible to apply for the exam to be licensed as registered nurses. Promotion to supervisory, administrative, clinical specialty, and other jobs in nursing is limited to those who get further education, training and experience.
FINDING THE JOB
LVNs should apply to employers or register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service or private employment agencies. Jobs may also be found through nursing associations. County, city, and federal civil service provide announcements of job openings. Many nursing jobs are advertised in newspapers and professional journals. Medical recruitment agencies, and personal referrals can also bring applicant and employer together.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California State Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 263-7800
California Nurses Association 1145 Market Street, Suite 1100 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 864-4141
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners No. 29 Physical Therapists No. 117 Nurse Aides/Nurse Assistants No. 442 Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants No. 451 Respiratory Therapists No. 454 Physician Assistants No. 508 Radiation Therapy Technologists No. 535
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Nurse, Licensed Practical 079.374-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Licensed Vocational Nurses 325050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand