Medical Training

Interested in LPN Training?  Learn more about Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

If you have been searching for LPN programs in California, you may have discovered that California is one of two states which uses the term LVN instead of LPN.  LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse vs. Licensed Practical Nurse.  Many LPN programs and LPN schools require both theory and hands-on-training.

The LPN or LVN is a licensed nurse with very similar skills and knowledge of the RN or Registered Nurse.   You can become an LPN or LPN much faster, and can begin your training right out of high-school and without as many pre-requisite classes as RN.  LPNs and LVNs have very satisfying careers and many continue on to pursue their RN and many receive advanced standing in RN programs.

The LPN or LVN is often working in clinics, out-patient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and in education.  Areas that the LVN is often utilized, is in medication administration, wound care management, and hospice.  Some people think nursing only involves blood and guts, but nursing has so many different career paths, that nursing involves not only caring for the sick, but providing education to healthy people who want to stay healthy such as in wellness checks, prenatal care, and health education.  There is almost always a specialty area that an LVN can be utilized in, including psychiatric hospitals, pediatric clinics, and even OB/GYN offices.

Licensed Vocational Nurses, along with the other health care professionals are responsible to perform nursing interventions for patients with acute or chronic illness. Licensed Vocational Nurses earn licensure from the state to administer routine patient care. All states, except Texas and California, use the title Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Licensed Vocational Nurses may work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, dialysis centers, blood banks, ambulatory surgery centers, day care centers or correctional facilities.

The LVN may provide continuous monitoring of all aspects of patient care, inclusive of all bedside care, diet, physical activity, and administration of medications, including injections under the direction of a physician of registered nurse. In most states LVNs can perform phlebotomy with an additional post-licensure course and certification. The LVN assist with data collection of patient symptoms, reactions and progress. LVNs also assist by performing patient and care-giver teaching in order to support patient and family independence.

Qualities necessary to the LVN include dedication, commitment, patience, understanding, knowledge, empathy, and the ability to utilize critical thinking in administration of all patient care.