Many (okay most) of our incoming students have a lot of questions about what kind of opportunities and roles they can expect to hold as soon as they become an LVN in California. Of course, our staff knows just how many exciting and rewarding opportunities exist out there for licensed vocational nurses. We put together a brief explanation of what you can look forward to once you become certified and graduate.
Working in Hospitals
If you like dynamic and fast-paced environments, then a hospital may be exactly where you belong when you become an LVN. You will work alongside RNs, assisting teams in a number of roles, and work in a range of departments. If you’ve dreamed of working in a maternity ward, assisting in surgeries, or even an ER, then working as an LVN in a hospital may be the ideal gig.
Traveling Nurse
LVNs are licensed and registered nurses with many of the same opportunities as an RN. Healthcare facilities all over the country are experiencing nursing shortages. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.” As a traveling nurse, you will have a chance to see different parts of the country, work in different fields, and can get additional benefits like moving, advanced training, and living expense reimbursement.
Clinical or Doctor’s Office
LVNs play a very important role in a doctor’s office or a clinical setting. Vocational nurses can supervise non-licensed staff, administer medication, attend to wound care, assist the doctor during regular office hours, and more. You could also help manage and oversee patient care, giving you an opportunity for one-on-one relationships with patients in a challenging setting.
Palliative Care
Hospice care has a growing demand due to an aging population. Vocational nurses in palliative care work closely with family members and patients to maintain comfort and quality of life. Many LVNs find this extremely intimate and hands-on care rewarding. As a palliative care nurse, you could help administer and manage pain medication, support the patient with difficult end-of-life decisions, and counsel the family during a trying and challenging time. Whether it’s a patient with a terminal illness (like cancer or ALS) or an Alzheimer’s patient: while all nursing roles require compassion and empathy, this job is especially suited for nurses who excel in those areas.
Home Health Care
As the population ages, home health care nurses are becoming a popular alternative over residential facilities. Most patients, especially as they age, want to remain at home in a comfortable and familiar environment. Those same patients, especially if they are in a living-assisted apartment or housing complex, may require day-to-day care. Patients with long-term illnesses (spinal or brain injuries, for example) may also need assistance to remain at home. Home health care LVNs keep track of the medication schedule, help with any mobility issues, and may start to feel like a member of the family.
Wherever your career leads you, it has a beginning. You need to get trained and certified, and our accelerated program gets you licensed and working in the field in 13 months. Contact us to set up an in-person meeting with our admissions staff today.
