LPN/LVN Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses take care of people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. They care for patients by assessing, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation, under general supervision, and in accordance with established practices and philosophy. Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses work with other professionals to ensure patient care is delivered effectively to achieve desired patient outcomes. The LPN/LVN must effectively interact with the patient and family members while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. There are many travel assignments and jobs available for the Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse as the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nursing is one of the top 10 occupations with the largest job growth. Where would you like to visit? Work in a great environment and enjoy free time seeing places you have always wanted to visit. Many great opportunities await the Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse in today’s market! Career outlook is very strong for Nurse Educators as there is a growing shortage. This shortage may enhance career prospects affording a high level of job security.

Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses engage in patient and family education in their roles as caregivers. LPN/LVN Educator will typically practice in:

• Technical colleges
• Hospitals
• Colleges and Universities
• Community Health Agencies
• Home Care Agencies
• Long-term care facilities
• Online via the internet

Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse Educators combine a passion for teaching with clinical expertise for a rewarding career experience. These professionals work in classrooms and the practice setting and are responsible for preparing and mentoring current and future nurses. LPN/LVN Educators play an important role in strengthening the nursing workforce by serving as role models and providing the leadership needed to implement evidence-based practice.

LPN/LVN Educators are vital in designing, implementing, evaluating and revising academic and continuing education programs for nurses. These may include formal academic programs that lead to a degree or certificate, or informal continuing education programs to meet individual needs.

LPN/LVN Educators combine their clinical abilities with responsibilities related to:

• Developing courses and programs of study
• Designing curricula
• Teaching and guiding students
• Assessment of learning
• Documenting the outcome of the education.

Also, LPN/LVN Educators help students and practicing nurses identify their needs, strengths and limitations and help them to select learning opportunities that will overcome these limitations and build on strengths.

Many Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse Educators work in a clinical setting and teach part-time. This allows the opportunity to maintain a high degree of clinical competence and share their expertise with novice nurses. In addition to teaching the student a LPN/LVN Educator would also have responsibilities consistent with faculty, such as advising students, participating in professional associations, speaking at conferences, engaging in peer review, writing grant proposals, engaging in research and maintaining clinical competence.

Qualifications:

LPN/LVN Educator must be creative, have a solid clinical background, have excellent communication skills, and excellent critical thinking skills. They must have an extensive knowledge base in their specialty area and the skill to convey that knowledge to the student in various ways.

Licensed Practice Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse Educators display a commitment to lifelong learning and exercise leadership, as well as being concerned with the development of the student. A strong base in theories of teaching, learning and evaluation are necessary as well. Enjoying teaching is certainly a must. The LPN/LVN Educator should be looking toward the future in order to anticipate the future role of nurses and adapt curriculum and teaching methods in response to innovations in science. They will need to collaborate with other professionals in the healthcare industry to plan and deliver sound programs.