JOB DESCRIPTION

Care for ill, injured, convalescent, and handicapped persons in hospitals, clinics, private homes, sanitariums, and similar institutions. Dress wounds and give enemas and alcohol rubs; take and record temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration; assemble and use such equipment as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers. Sterilize equipment and supplies using germicides and autoclave.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

A caring, sympathetic nature Emotionally stable to handle stress Able to follow orders and work under close supervision

Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. They prepare and give injections, apply ice packs and hot water bottles, and insert catheters. They collect samples from patients for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and liquid intake and output. They help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.

Most nurses in hospitals and nursing homes work a 40-hour week, but because patients need round-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, and holidays. They often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk. LVNs may face hazards from caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis. They are subject to back injuries when moving patients and shock from electrical equipment. They often must deal with the stress of heavy workloads and the patients they care for may be confused, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative.