Vocational Nursing Education
A licensed vocational nurse is also referred to in many states as a licensed practical nurse. Training for this career takes about a year, which means you can begin working in the health care field sooner and begin earning money earlier. Because of today's shortage in the health care field, and especially the nursing field, industry licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are in high demand.
Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses work directly under physicians to take care of their patients. These nurses often take vital signs, prepare and deliver injections, gather patient health information, help care for infants and feed them, collect lab samples, perform routine lab tests, teach good health habits to patients, and supervise nursing assistants and aides.
According to the Bureau of Labor licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses earn a salary between $31,080 and $46,640. Wages vary depending on the industry with the majority of them in employment services earning an average salary of $42,110. As a rule, home health care services and nursing care facilities are next in line offering salaries of around the $38,000 mark. In most hospitals, these professionals earn about $35,000 and in doctor's offices about $32,000.
Unsurprisingly, with the baby boom population racing towards becoming seniors, the need for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses is skyrocketing, especially with so many patients being treated on an outpatient basis. Many vocational nurses are now playing active roles in these health care settings, as well as in patient's homes. After earning their degree in state approved programs, graduates have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to work. Each state has different requirements; therefore, you will need to check with your state's Board of Nursing to find out what fees, application procedures, and requirements are involved to sit for the licensure examination.
When you are considering your schooling, you should ask yourself if the school you are choosing has work placement, accreditation, training to assist you with getting your nursing certification, specialty placements, and if the school will document your course hours for future use.
You should also know that the length of these programs can vary anywhere from seven months to two years, although the majority are around a year. To look into the various schools and the selection of programs, training, and accreditation they offer, please take a few minutes to check out this link: http://www.topnursingcolleges.com/. We need more good nurses, so why not apply today?
Published: 2009-09-11
