A licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, is a licensed practical nurse. The LVN profession is rewarding and the LVN salary is usually very attractive. Licensed vocational nurses work directly under physicians and registered nurses as they help care for the ill, injured, disabled and convalescent patients. Being an LVN usually involves providing basic bedside care to patients. This care may include taking vitals (temperature, blood pressure, polls and respiration). They also may give injections, apply dressings and observe patients for adverse reactions to treatment or medications. Nursing is a noble profession as the nurse is often a vital link between patient and doctor. The quest to become an LVN is not necessarily easy. Every state requires that LVNs complete a state-approved LVN training program and pass a licensing exam upon completion. With all the duties that an LVN is expected to perform it is no surprise that LVN training programs typically take about a year to complete.

Students who wish to become LVNs can choose from a variety of educational environments. Some high schools even offer LVN training programs. Students who are working to become LVNs undergo both classroom study and clinical practice that involve supervised patient care. The classroom work involves basic nursing and patient-care from anatomy and physiology to the administration of drugs and first aid. Clinical portion of the student's education usually occurs in a hospital, but it may include an alternate medical setting. Unitek College (http://www.unitekcollege.com/Vocational_Nursing_Career_Prospects) is a great example of a highly respected training company that offers a top notch LVN training program. Students receive the skills, education and experience necessary to obtain their LVN license. This places them in a position to be able to pursue an LVN vocation in a doctor's office, hospital or nursing home.

An LVN salary will vary from one medical environment to another and from one state to another. Overall though, an LVN salary would be considered quite desirable by most people. Licensed vocational nurses are growing in demand. The areas that expect the most exponential growth are nursing homes and home health services. While the industry is growing and the demand for licensed vocational nurses is increasing, the supply of nurses comes up short. In a market where supply does not meet demand, the LVN salary is made even more competitive to attract more qualified nurses thus increasing the supply. To learn about the LVN training program, visit http://www.unitekcollege.com/?source=articlesender/.