Vocational Nursing in Today’s Healthcare System: Insights from Smith Chason College

The demand for healthcare services has consistently grown over the years. Professionals in this healthcare system have become essential to our daily lives, whether they offer basic care or complex health-related services. Today, vocational nursing is on the rise. Read on to learn more about vocational nursing and how Smith Chason College College’s School of Nursing can provide the necessary knowledge to help you pursue a career as an LVN!  

What Is Vocational Nursing? 

Vocational nursing is a profession in the healthcare system that mainly revolves around direct patient care. Vocational nurses, also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or practical nurses (LPNs), work in clinics, hospitals, care facilities, and health agencies. They are tasked with basic nursing assignments like monitoring patients’ vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, and keeping medical records. They assist registered nurses and physicians. This profession entails a great and rewarding experience for individuals who aspire to work in patient care. Vocational Nursing programs typically require one to two years of education and training, resulting in a diploma or certificate. 

How To Become A Vocational Nurse 

The first step to becoming a vocational nurse is completing a vocational nursing program, which usually takes a year or two. LVN courses usually have both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, allowing students to shadow nurses and physicians in a clinical setting. Smith Chason College School of Nursing offers this program, which only requires 15 months of training, in contrast to other LVN programs that may take up to 24 months. Once the program is complete, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to be eligible for a license, allowing you to practice your profession as a licensed vocational nurse. 

More On Vocational Nursing in Today’s Healthcare System 

The healthcare system is vast and constantly evolving, and nursing – in any form – is at the forefront of providing dependable, essential patient care. Vocational nursing plays a pivotal role in the delivery of healthcare services. Apart from being a field that focuses on practical skills and hands-on patient care, what else does this essential component in the industry entail?  

Responsibilities And Duties Of A Vocational Nurse 

Vocational nurses are responsible for basic patient care tasks. These tasks include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, tending to wounds, and assisting with personal hygiene activities. They also perform routine patient assessments and document important information about patients’ health conditions. Maintaining accurate and current patient records is crucial for seamless patient care. Vocational nurses collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and communicate vital patient information. They also provide emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times. 

Career Opportunities In Vocational Nursing 

Vocational nursing provides an excellent path toward realizing greater career opportunities within the healthcare industry. Besides gaining significant knowledge and necessary skills on your journey to becoming an LVN, you can also work in various settings across different healthcare systems. This experience may be beneficial for pursuing future career advancements. Being an LVN also allows you to choose your specialization based on your preference, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or medical-surgical nursing, giving you better insights into the practice as a hands-on LVN. 

How to Apply at Smith Chason College School of Nursing  

 To be admitted into the Vocational Nursing (VN) program of Smith Chason, keep in mind the following requirements: 

1. Be 17 years old or above.  
2. A valid high school Diploma, GED, or equivalent.  
3. Transcripts must be translated into English and evaluated by an accredited credential evaluation agency.  
4. Valid and up-to-date government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License or Identification Card)  
5. A test score of 500 or better in the Wonderlic test. 
6. A completed criminal background check application* and health clearance.  

To complete your admission, you must do the following: 

1. Attend an interview with the Nursing Program Director, Assistant Director, or Campus Director.  
2. Submit a 500-word essay on “Why I Would Like to Be A Nurse.” 
3. Upon acceptance, sign an enrollment agreement and pay the $100.00 Registration Fee, non-refundable more than three days after signing an enrollment agreement. 

*A criminal background, whether a misdemeanor or felony, can lead to denial of admissions, hinder placement in clinical sites, and potentially result in a student being denied nursing licensure after graduation. 

For more information on the application process, you may visit this page. 

Financial Aid At Smith Chason 

Smith Chason supports your nursing ambitions by offering financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. Pursuing a nursing career can be expensive, which is why we provide options for financial assistance. You may visit the financial aid page to find out if you are qualified for support. 

 Additionally, we have a comprehensive booklet of scholarships available for you to explore! 

 

Reach Your Potential As A Vocational Nurse With Smith Chason College! 

Smith Chason’s current California NCLEX Pass Rates for our Los Angeles Vocational Nursing programs is 76% and 64% at our Ontario campus* while being nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).. Truly, Smith Chason provides a great program to help you gain the necessary vocational nursing education you need. 

Jumpstart your medical career goals with us; contact us at Smith Chason for more information! 

*Current NCLEX-PN Quarter Rates for 2022 for our Los Angeles and Ontario VN programs. Please see www.bvnpt.ca.gov for per-campus rates. 

  

Commonly Asked Questions About Vocational Nursing 

What Does Vocational Mean In Nursing? 

A vocational nurse is an entry-level health care provider who gives basic nursing care. They work under the direction of a physician or registered nurse and are not able to practice independently. 

What Is The Difference Between A Vocational Nurse And An RN? 

Registered nurses (RNs) are higher-level nurses compared to vocational nurses (LVNs). One major difference is that LVNs work under the supervision of RNs and receive less formal training. Although they perform similar tasks, LVNs do not have the same level of responsibilities as RNs. 

 What Is The Difference Between A CNA And A LVN? 

LVNs have a wider range of responsibilities and can perform similar clinical tasks as registered nurses. They are fully licensed and can make nursing decisions independently. On the other hand, CNAs are supervised by licensed nurses or physicians, while LVNs are supervised by registered nurses or licensed healthcare providers.