| According to the latest report released by the | | | | The LVN curriculum can be different depending on the |
| American Hospital Association, U.S. hospitals are | | | | location of the training. At the completion of the |
| experiencing a severe shortage of Registered Nurses | | | | required courses from a university of community |
| (RNs) to fill vacant positions nationwide. | | | | college program the LVN must successfully pass a |
| The field of nursing has emerged from its lowly | | | | state mandated exam before she can work as a |
| beginnings. Nurses were traditionally paid a low wage | | | | Licensed Vocational Nurse. |
| and regulated to the menial task associated with caring | | | | Because of the acute shortage of qualified Registered |
| for the sick. They emptied bed pans, changed beds | | | | Nurses, hospitals are offering in house training |
| and filled water containers. In the present day hospital | | | | programs to allow employees who want to become |
| environment, these tasks are relegated to nursing | | | | Nurses. These employees are allowed to attend |
| assistants. Starting as a nursing assistant or nursing | | | | classes on company time. Some companies offering |
| aide is the first step to determine if a nursing career is | | | | the training on site. Companies offer tuition |
| feasible. Becoming a nursing assistant requires only | | | | reimbursement and flexible work schedules in return |
| basic course work. The pay for nursing assistants | | | | for a commitment of a certain number of years of |
| positions is relatively low. Because of the low pay and | | | | employment in exchange for the opportunity. |
| the type of work involved, many nursing assistants | | | | To become a Registered Nurse requires the |
| start the educational process to become a Registered | | | | completion a 4 year course of study. The registered |
| Nurse. | | | | nurses that are in most demand have a Bachelor of |
| The progression to become a Registered nurse starts | | | | Science in Nursing Degree as opposed to the |
| with the nurse assistant. The licensed vocational nurse | | | | Associate Degree Nursing program that requires the |
| is the next step requiring more education and exam. | | | | completion of a two year degree program. The salary |
| The final step is registered nurse . | | | | for an RN has escalated within the last few years |
| The LVN ( Licensed Vocational Nurse) are in high | | | | because of the shortage of Registered Nurses. |
| demand. The salary is higher than that of a nursing | | | | Several colleges and universities offer the basic |
| assistant. And the task performed provide direct | | | | curriculum for obtaining a degree in Nursing. However, |
| patient care. The LVN will work directly under the | | | | the National League for Nursing Accrediting |
| supervision of a Doctor or a Registered Nurse. | | | | Commission (NLAC) accredits certain colleges that |
| Employment opportunities for the LVN are excellent. | | | | meet their stringent requirements. These nursing |
| The education required to complete an LVN program | | | | programs prepare the student to be able to sit for the |
| is least three semesters of classroom and clinical | | | | boards prior to getting prior to getting the license to |
| hours. The program is intensive and can be completed | | | | practice nursing. Being selective in the choice of the |
| with a combination of distance learning courses as well | | | | educational institution for your education at the |
| as on-site courses for the lab and clinical requirements. | | | | beginning of your training will save money and time. |