Clinical Training for Vocational Nurses
Date: March 11, 2019
Vocational Nurses need to undergo Clinical Training before they start practicing at any healthcare center. Caring for the sick or the convalescent requires that Vocational Nurses, also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses, be trained in all aspects of healthcare. Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) take care of, providing bedside care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
Why is Clinical training necessary for Vocational Nursing?
- LVNs are responsible for temperature readings and recording patient blood pressure levels and pulse rates. All of these require that nurses can operate medical instruments. Clinical training is necessary to teach these nurses the correct process of recording data.
- An LVN is responsible for treating bedsores and also giving injections to the patient. They should also be able to apply dressings to the patient. These activities can place the LVN at high risk if performed incorrectly. Clinical training given to the LVN coaches them on how to perform these procedures on the patients.
- Bathing, dressing, and maintaining the patient’s hygiene is a significant health challenge for an LVN. Clinical training guides different health metrics noted before the LVN does any of these activities.
- An LVN can also deliver intravenous injections to the patient in states where permitted by law. An LVN has to be meticulous with the medicines’ dosage in the intravenous injections provided to the patient. A small increase in the dosage could prove fatal to the patient.
- Besides dealing with heavy workloads, clinical training guides LVNs in saving themselves from caustic chemicals, radiation, and infectious diseases. A small sneeze from a patient could cause severe health infections for the LVN.
Many healthcare schools provide this training to LVNs. Usually, the duration of these programs is 12-18 months. The LVN must pass these training programs to work as an LVN with a healthcare organization.
The LVN should also be able to grasp all materials taught during clinical training. Knowledge, only if implemented, can help the vocational nurses in their job.
One thing that most Clinical Training programs ignore is dealing with patient behavior. The LVNs often have to face confused or angry reactions from patients. It could especially happen when patients do not see treatment as per their will. Some training programs have started integrating this aspect into their course curriculum. However, it will have to be learned by the nurse on the job.
A nurse may be called a Licensed Vocational Nurse if they attend the Clinical Training program and passes the examination. Remember, dealing with patient care is a risky business, and Clinical Training guides these nurses on alleviating health hazards associated with these risks.
