What does LVN stand for?

The term LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse. This designation is used primarily in the state of California and a few other states to refer to nurses who have completed the required vocational nursing education and received licensure to practice. LVNs provide basic patient care, often working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.

In the U.S., vocational nursing programs are typically shorter than those for RNs, focusing on practical aspects of care, which prepares graduates to assist in various healthcare settings. Understanding this designation is crucial for recognizing the scope of practice and the level of training that different types of nurses have completed, which is essential knowledge in the healthcare field.