Lvn

LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse, a nursing professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. LVNs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health settings, performing duties such as taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, wound care, and basic bedside nursing tasks. They may administer certain medications and treatments as permitted by state law, and they document patient information for the care team.

Education and licensure requirements vary by region but typically involve completing an accredited LVN program. These programs, usually offered by community colleges or vocational schools, last about 12 to 18 months and combine classroom study with clinical practice. Core subjects include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and patient care. After graduation, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and obtain a state license. Licensure requirements often include background checks and state-specific jurisprudence exams, with renewal at intervals that require continuing education.

Practice and regulation: The LVN’s scope of practice is defined by state law and the state board of nursing. Supervision requirements and permitted responsibilities vary, with medication administration privileges and clinical duties limited by jurisdiction. Ongoing licensure renewal and continuing education are typically required.

Career pathways: LVNs may advance by enrolling in bridge programs to become registered nurses (RNs) or pursue higher nursing degrees. Employment opportunities span acute-care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home-health agencies.

Other uses: The acronym LVN can have meanings in other domains outside nursing, but in the context of healthcare it most commonly denotes Licensed Vocational Nurse.