Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) as they are called in California and Texas, care for ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled people in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, group homes, and in patients’ homes. LPNs and LVNs provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate); treat bedsores; apply dressings; apply icepacks and hot water bottles; give injections and enemas; collect samples for medical testing; monitor catheters; record fluid and food intake and output; help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene; and feed patients. They provide for their patients’ general comfort and emotional well-being as well as monitor them for adverse reactions to injections and medications. LPNs and LVNs work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, LPNs and LVNs held 753,600 jobs. The employment of LPNs and LVNs in 2018 is projected to be 909,200, an increase of 21 percent. In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated there were more than 1,500 state-approved training programs for LPNs and LVNs, most of which are a year long. Upon completion of their training, LPN and LVN graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing before practicing in their state or the District of Columbia.

Information on Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses:

• Resources (135)
• Organizations (4)
• Funding (8)
• Events (1)
• News (0)

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing
• ExploreHealthCareers.org: Vocational/Licensed Practical Nurse
• LifeWorks: Nurse, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, 12/2009

Page last updated January 6, 2010