A vocational nurse, also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), administers care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other medical facilities under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse.
Before beginning a vocational nursing program, students must complete certain core courses. The prerequisite classes vary with the vocational program. They may include biology, human anatomy, English and speech.
Human Anatomy & Physiology is one of the most important classes needed in order to become a vocational nurse. It covers cell functions, tissues and muscular, respiratory, skeletal and reproductive systems. In some cases, the course can be taken in two parts. Some vocational nursing programs make it a prerequisite.
Foundations of Nursing is the introductory course to the profession. It discusses nursing practices and history, as well as legal and ethical issues. The course also surveys such topics as wellness, mental health and cultural diversity.
A Basic Nursing Skills course teaches the essential, entry-level skills, techniques and competencies for various health care institutions. .
A Medication Administration course covers the general policy and procedures in administering drugs. It teaches the proper dosage, preparation, terminology, documentation and measurements of medication.
Clinical training is the final course needed to become a vocational nurse. Classroom theory is applied in a hospital, clinic, nursing home or other health-care facility under the supervision of a medical professional.