What exactly is a Vocational Nurse?

AppyHorseFan · Sep 30, 2003

A "vocational" nurse exists in only 2 states in the entire United States...California and Texas. In all the other 48 states, they are called "practical" nurses. I hope this helps some. I know this because we just finished studying this in my Nursing Concepts class.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 30, 2003

Some parts of VA the title is LVN instead of LPN.

Todd SPN · Sep 30, 2003

Same thing, different name.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2003

Basically it means less education required for the license, less money earned and not allowed to perform certain tasks which only an RN can perform (as outlined in your state). BUT they get to do plenty of work. Many LVN's in Texas see this as a way to earn some money and learn the profession while continuing their education to get RN license. Our hospital has >600 RNs and 45 LVNs and have not hired LVN in years. Just FYI

Brownms46 · Oct 1, 2003

It doesn't always mean less money, and I have worked in many areas in Texas that not only still hires LVNs, but paid me a great wage as a travelers, making more money then the RNs I worked with! PLUS I have been on travel contracts working side by side with even BSNs who were making less money than me!

Also I will gladly do less and earn more in a heartbeat:D! But in Texas, many LVNs work side by side RNs in the same capacity except charge! And many LVNs had no desire to continue on to be an RN , to earn a few dollars more, but take on a whole lot more responsibility.

My being an LVN has allowed me to work in every area of nursing except for OR, which I have never sought to do, except for Recovery, and outpatient surg admit and recovery. JMO:)