Yes, it is true that the Licensed Vocational Nurse and Practical Nurse are trained in
LVN/LPN programs to become leaders.  In fact, during the last module or semester of training the LVN/LPN student commonly has the opportunity to become a team leader.  A team leader of a nursing unit is usually in charge of one section of the facility or nursing station.  During the extensive clinical training at both the LVN/LPN school’s clinical lab, and at skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, the student nurse gradually increases their duties, responsibilities and the amount of patients to care for.  Prior to graduation the student becomes a team leader to draw from both their clinical and theory education to manage the care of their patients and delegate nursing duties to their assigned team of student nurses.

While the team leader administers the medication, the team leader delegates to the team members to perform dressing changes, glucose finger sticks, bath care, vital signs, and other nursing duties.  The team leader’s assignment may appear to have the lightest load, but even if the leader has thoroughly planned their day, they still need to allow time for the unexpected.  In fact there is a phrase in nursing, “Always be prepared for the code,” which refers to the unforeseen events that can occur to even the most organized nurse.

Some students refer to the first day of being a team leader as being similar to the experience the first day working in a new job; filled with anxiety and anticipation. Fortunately it doesn’t take long before the student blossoms into a leader.  They not only learn more about the nursing profession, but most importantly learn about themselves as they practice leading a group.  To gain feedback about their leadership qualities, they are evaluated by their clinical instructor, each team member, and complete a self-evaluation.    The evaluations bring out both their strengths and weaknesses, which offers the student nurse valuable information to make adjustments and become a more organized and prepared nurse and leader.