If you’re thinking about a healthcare career, you have options. Do you want to spend eight or more years in school to become a doctor? If you want to spend less time in school but still want to make a difference in your patients’ lives, you can choose to become an LVN or CNA. First, let’s look at what each role does and then talk about the differences between the two roles. This will give you a better idea of which role is right for you.
What Does an LVN Do?
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is critical in patient care. They work with doctors and registered nurses (RNs) to support patients.
Provide Basic Medical Care
LVNs check vital signs like blood pressure, respiration rate, heart rate, and temperature. They record these vital signs in electronic health records to help doctors and RNs monitor the patient’s condition. For example, an LVN in a clinic may take a patient’s blood pressure before the doctor completes an exam.
Help Patients With Daily Activities
LVNs assist patients who need help with daily activities, which is common in nursing homes or rehab centers.
Administer Medications
LVNs can administer prescribed medications, so they monitor patients for side effects and report anything unusual to a nurse or doctor. In a hospital, an LVN might give pain medication to a patient after surgery.
Monitor Health Conditions
LVNs monitor patients with chronic health issues. This includes checking wounds, looking for infections, managing bed sores, and updating medical records. For example, an LVN may change a bandage on a healing wound and note the progress in the patient’s chart.
Communicate with Patients and Families
LVNs explain procedures and help educate patients or family members. They make sure patients understand what’s happening and what to expect. An LVN might explain how to care for a surgical wound at home after surgery.
Support the Medical Team
LVNs assist doctors and RNs during procedures by setting up equipment and helping with patient prep. For example, during a minor procedure, an LVN may hand tools to the doctor and keep the area clean.
Keep Patient Records Updated
Good recordkeeping is part of the job. LVNs track vital signs, treatments, patient progress, and medication schedules to keep everything accurate. After injecting a patient, the LVN updates the chart with the dosage and time.
What Does a CNA Do?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide help to patients and support nurses with daily care needs. Here’s a look at what CNAs do on a day-to-day basis:
Assist with Daily Living Activities
CNAs help patients with basic needs to keep patients clean and safe.
Monitor Vital Signs
CNAs check vital signs like temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. This helps nurses and doctors track patient health. A CNA in a hospital might take a patient’s temperature and pulse every four hours to keep a record of their health.
Keep Patients Comfortable
CNAs help reposition patients to prevent bedsores. They change bed linens and help with personal hygiene. A CNA may check on patients who cannot move independently and help them shift positions to stay comfortable.
Observe and Report Changes
CNAs spend a lot of time with patients, and they are often the first to notice changes in health. For example, if a patient seems confused, the CNA will immediately alert the nurse.
Maintain a Clean Environment
CNAs help keep patient rooms disinfected to prevent disease. They may clean equipment, change soiled clothing, and ensure supplies are stocked. For example, a CNA may disinfect a bedside table and replace used towels after helping with a sponge bath.
LVN vs. CNA: Core Differences
Choosing between becoming a CNA or LVN depends on how much time you have to devote to training and how much responsibility you want to accept. Both play important patient care roles but have different responsibilities and career paths. Here’s a look at the key differences.
Training Requirements
Training time is one of the biggest differences. CNAs can finish their programs in a few weeks, usually 4 to 12, depending on the certifications. These programs are often offered at trade schools or community colleges. LVN training takes 12 months and includes classroom learning, labs, and clinical work. For example, a CNA might take a short course with lessons on hygiene and lifting techniques, while an LVN will spend a year learning about anatomy, pharmacology, and how to give injections.
Job Duties
CNAs help patients with everyday needs. This includes bathing, feeding, moving, and dressing. On the other hand, LVNs handle more technical care, like giving medications and performing wound care.
Scope of Practice
LVNs have more responsibility than CNAs and can perform more complex medical tasks that must be supervised by doctors or registered nurses. CNAs usually support LVNs and RNs by handling basic care. For example, CNAs may help with personal hygiene, while LVNs give shots and assist with care plans based on doctor instructions.
Pay and Career Growth
LVNs earn more because they take on more responsibility. The median CNA salary is $39,530, while LVNs often earn a median salary of $62,340. CNAs may later train to become LVNs or RNs.
Certification and Licensing
CNAs earn certification after passing a state skills and written test. LVNs need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to get licensed. For example, a CNA might complete a course and take a local exam in a few weeks. An LVN has to pass a national test after a year of training.
How to Become an LVN
At CyberTex, you can complete the LVN program and be prepared to start working in 60 weeks or 14-16 months including breaks.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED
Students must have a high school diploma or GED before applying to CyberTex, which is required for admission.
Step 2: Apply to CyberTex
Visit CyberTex.edu to fill out the LVN program application. We can help you with the admissions process and answer any questions you may have.
Step 3: Meet with an Admissions Advisor
We will schedule a meeting to review the details of the LVN program and financial aid.
Step 4: Complete the Entrance Requirements
Before beginning the program, you will take a basic assessment test and submit the required documents.
Step 5: Start LVN Training at CyberTex
The CyberTex LVN program covers classroom learning and hands-on training. You will study anatomy, pharmacology, nursing procedures, and patient care skills. Clinical training lets you work with patients in real healthcare settings.
Step 6: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
Once you graduate, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become a licensed LVN. We help you prepare for the exam throughout the curriculum.
Step 7: Start Working as an LVN
After passing your exam, you can work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and clinics. CyberTex will even help you build a solid resume, prepare for interviews, and match you with jobs you are passionate about.
Want to Learn More?
After graduating from the Licensed Vocational Nursing program, you can apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and start your exciting new careers immediately.
Having Questions? Contact us today to learn more about our Vocational Nursing program at the Austin campus.
