Here is what we know about LVN Nurse Job Description
We see nurses running around with IV drips and keenly taking notes while doctors give instructions in various movies. So, it’s easy to assume that all nurses do is follow doctors’ orders all day long. However, this is a wrong assumption because there are different types of nurses.
Are you planning to enroll in LVN training? Here’s a detailed look at the normal LVN job description.
1. Monitoring vitals
Large and medium-sized hospitals usually have several wards. Due to the large size and a high number of incoming patients, registered nurses cannot visit each bed. In order to stay updated on each patient’s health condition, LVNs have the responsibility of recording patients’ vitals.
You’ll walk around with a thermometer and sphygmomanometer to record body temperature and blood pressure respectively. You’ll then record this data in a patient’s data then compile it and submit a daily report.
2. Looking after senile patients
You’ll come across LVNs working diligently in registered home care agencies. LVN training equips students with the right knowledge on how to maintain hygienic environments in-home care agencies.
Home care agencies also rely on LVN because some aged patients have chronic illnesses that require constant medical support. For instance, senile patients suffering from Diabetes type 1 need an LVN to administer insulin shots.
If you apply for a job in a home care agency, you’ll sterilize patients’ rooms. LVN’s also ensure patients have a supply of clean clothes and sleep in clean bed sheets every day.
3. Taking samples for laboratory tests
If you’ve ever been taken to hospital with a serious illness, you noticed that the doctor directed you to a different room to get either a blood or urine sample. Usually, a lab technician or Registered Nurse does this job. Nowadays, LVNs have the authority to draw samples from a patient under a doctor or Registered Nurse’s authority.
If you don’t mind pricking fingers, you’ll draw blood samples on behalf of your doctor in charge. You’ll also collect urine and stool samples for lab testing. You’ll also label them correctly and store them in the right storage facilities.
4. Taking medication to patients
Bed-ridden patients rely on LVN to feed them and provide medication when necessary. Patients who are recovering from stroke need plenty of time to regain muscle control and coordination. In this situation, you’ll have to spoon-feed them and put pills in their mouth.
Asthma patients also need help with their ventilators. You’ll help them sit upright and breathe while inhaling their ventilator.
5. Offering assistance to midwives
Doctors and Registered Nurses are licensed to perform childbirths. Usually, child delivery is a long, noisy, and messy process. An expectant woman who’s experiencing contractions that precede labor pains can suffer from panic attacks. Your job is to calm her down and request the doctor for pain relief medication.
When the actual delivery begins, the doctor in charge will need you to hold their medical equipment. After delivery, you’ll sterilize all medical equipment and the entire delivery room.