Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
Nursing home LPNs and LVNs have the opportunity to quickly jump into providing hands-on care to patients in their community. They develop meaningful relationships with their patients, and build skill sets and experience that help advance their career in the future.
LPNs provide patient care, give medications, monitor patient health, develop care plans, and supervise CNAs.
Becoming an LPN or LVN in a nursing home
LPNs and LVNs have a high school diploma or equivalent education, and pass a comprehensive national test (NCLEX-LPN). Some states also require a state-administered licensing test.
How can I advance my career as a LPN/LVN in a nursing home?
These are some, but not all of the positions you could advance to if you work as an LPN/LVN in a nursing home. Training, certification, costs, and duties vary by state.
Charge Nurse
Training: Experience, sometimes with leadership and management training.
Training/Education Cost: Minimal
Duties: Oversee on-shift LPNs/LVNs and CNAs, make sure patient care standards are met, and handle administrative duties, like patient admissions and discharges.
Wound Care Nurse
Training: Wound care certification which generally takes a few months
Training/Education Cost: $500 - $2,000
Duties: Managing and treating some wounds like chronic sores, surgical incisions, and pressure ulcers, to promote healing and prevent infection.
IV Therapy Nurse
Training/education: 1-2 weeks for IV therapy certification program, usually requiring 30-50 hours of coursework.
Training/Education Cost: $250 - $1,200
Duties: Inserting and removing catheters, monitoring insertion sites, giving fluids, and maintaining IV lines.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Education: From LPN/LVN, an Associated Degree in Nursing (ADN) 1-2 years, or a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) 2-3 years, and passing the NCLEX‒RN exam.
Training/Education Cost: $6,000–$50,000 for LPN/LVN-to-ADN; $20,000–$70,000 for LPN/LVN-to-BSN
Duties: Develop care plans, administer treatments and medications, perform diagnostics, and supervise LPNs/LVNs and CNAs.
Page Last Modified:
12/16/2024 10:50 AM