Published Sep 13, 2009
mearrepiento
12 Posts
I'm taking prerequisites for the LVN program in Merritt college in Oakland, CA. The college I'm attending, Chabot College, offers has a sister college, Las Positas college that has Surgical Technology (3 semesters in length). Ohlone college, pretty close to Chabot, has Phlebotomy program with only one-semester length. With my GPA, it should be easy for me to be accepted in these programs. Since I'm going to stick with LVN, I know that there are some limitations. However, I don't plan to continue with RN. Do you think that I can have a better chance to be hired if I can expand my skills besides bedside care? Should I get those extra certifications before I officially get in LVN, or should I only concentrate on LVN? I'm willing to listen to any advice you offer.
Thank you!
Valerie Salva, BSN, RN
1,793 Posts
LVNs can do phlebotomy because they are nurses. No need to take a phlebot course.
Thank you for your answer!
Then I don't have to be concerned about phlebotomy. What about scrub skills? Do you think that I should be certified in Surgical Tech? I'm not picky where I will work. Nevertheless, I like to work in a hospital. Do you think that having some additional skills in the OR can help me?
If you become a surgical tech, you will have more opportunities. They will be opportunities as a scrub tech, though. I've never heard of an LVN working in OR. A lot of hospital don't use LPNs, so you will have more opportunites to work in a hospital as a scrub tech.
Thank you, Valerie!
Can you please tell me what duties an LVN usually does if he/she is hired in a hospital? Except OR, LVNs are never useless in a hospital setting, are they?
You're welcome. some hospitals use LPNs, but many do not. I know LPNs give po meds, injections, moniter IVs. Some facilities do not allow them to do assessments. Others do not let them take doctors' orders. They can't access central lines.
I've never seen an LPN be charge nurse in a hospital.
It's been so long since I was an LPN. :)
Hopefully, an LPN who works in a hospital will respond.