Licensed Vocational Nurse

Working Schedule
Licensed Vocational Nurses typically work full-time, and can expect night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Typical Duties

• Monitor patient vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, etc.)
• Provide basic care such as bandage changes and assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating
• Discuss concerns and explain care plans with patients and families, based on instructions from the supervising registered nurse (RN) or physician 
• Observe patient behavior and routines; ensure patient safety and comfort
• Communicate updates to healthcare team members regarding patient status
• Document given care, maintain diligent records, and handle intake/discharge procedures
• Assist with patient mobility, transport, and preparation for procedures
• Coordinate patient care with therapists, specialists, or others, as directed
• Manage hygienic conditions and practice infection control
• Restock supply inventories, or delegate tasks to assistants
• Set up and maintain medical equipment
• Administer medications based on state guidelines and training 
• Guide patients in effective pain management techniques
• Perform wound care, when trained and as delegated
• Respond to emergencies and code blues under supervision

1. During a code blue, LVNs may be authorized to start IV infusions, draw blood, perform blood glucose checks, and administer oxygen, if trained
2. They may also be tasked to direct responders, record and document staff actions, help move patients, ensure patient belongings are gathered during transport, and explain events to family members
3. Be familiar with the Incident Command System (depending on employment situation)

Additional Responsibilities

• Administer and monitor patient response to oxygen therapy
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative care, helping to ensure speedy recoveries
• Participate in continuous training and professional development
• Supervise others based on state rules and employer policies
• Advocate for patient rights and provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Assist with specimen collection and laboratory tests, as directed
• Educate patients about self-care and long-term symptom management
• Maintain patient confidentiality

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Bedside manner
• Compassion
• Composure
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking
• Cultural sensitivity
• Dependability
• Detail-oriented
• Emotional resilience 
• Empathy
• Integrity 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Multitasking
• Observant
• Patience
• Physical stamina
• Relationship-building
• Reliability
• Safety conscious 
• Sound judgment 
• Strong communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation and medical history tracking
• Skilled in operating and maintaining medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and intravenous infusion pumps
• Understanding of pharmacology, medication administration, and monitoring for adverse reactions
• Expertise in wound care management (i.e., dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, etc.)
• Knowledge of patient assessment techniques, vitals monitoring, and ability to identify condition changes
• Ability to help develop, implement, and adjust individualized healthcare plans in collaboration
• Competency monitoring, evaluating, and documenting rehabilitation progress
• Adherence to sanitation, sterilization, hygiene, and infection control protocols
• Proper wear and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Proficiency in providing mobility assistance and use of assistive devices
• Knowledge of basic physical therapy exercises for patient support and recovery
• Familiarity with emergency response actions (including IV infusions, oxygen administration, patient transport, and Incident Command System, in some cases)
• Familiarity with medical software such as:

1. eClinicalWorks 
2. Epic Systems 
3. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System 
4. Infusion management software
5. Medical condition and procedure coding software
6. MedicWare EMR
7. MEDITECH 
8. PointClickCare
9. Prescription processing software
10. Telephone triage software

• Alzheimer’s facilities
• Assisted living centers
• Community-based adult day care centers
• Continuing care retirement communities
• Correctional facilities
• Government and community health agencies
• Home healthcare services
• Hospice care facilities
• Hospitals rehabilitation units
• Military and veterans’ facilities
• Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)    
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Occupational health settings
• Outpatient centers
• Rehabilitation centers
• Rural clinics
• Schools

LVNs/LPNs have demanding roles and must juggle tasks while maintaining the utmost precision and attention to detail. They’re expected to manage their time efficiently to ensure all patient needs are tended to promptly, correctly, and with suitable compassion. They must be meticulous record-keepers while staying focused on the immediate needs of the patients under their care.

The job can be physically demanding, especially when dealing with patients who have mobility issues—or when required to be up on your feet all day. Sometimes patients are dealing with circumstances that may make them difficult to manage, but LVNs/LPNs must maintain their composure and not let the stress get to them.

Hours can run long, with night shifts, weekends, and holidays often expected. Due to the pressure and laborious nature of this profession, Licensed Vocational Nurses need to take enough time for self-care to prevent exhaustion and burnout, which are common triggers that can drive nurses to retire.

A significant trend in the nursing world is the increased use of technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telehealth services, requiring LVNs to constantly update their tech skills. There’s also a growing emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management—areas where LVNs can engage in patient education and support.

Due to the national nursing shortage, LVNs are starting to undertake certain additional responsibilities that once fell on the shoulders of Registered Nurses. While this can be burdensome at times, it’s also an opportunity for career growth! The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in employment opportunities for LVNs through 2032, which is higher than the average projected growth for all occupations.  

Licensed Vocational Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses are often natural caregivers. They may have helped take care of family members in their younger years, or perhaps always felt a strong desire to help others in need. They’re also highly practical and great at providing motivation—traits that could have been developed through extracurricular activities in school. Perhaps their most defining characteristic is the willingness to persevere through challenges so their patients can reach their health goals.