Nurse Delivers Care to Mothers and Newborns
Putting a newborn baby in its mother’s arms is what Debra Giannini likes most about her job as a licensed vocational nurse. “That just makes my day,” said Giannini, who works at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. “You never get tired of seeing a new mother’s eyes light up.”
LVNs assist in the care of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses, they administer injections, give medications and monitor intravenous fluids. They also instruct patients in self-care at home after they are released from the hospital.
Giannini, 39, began her LVN career in 1977 at Hoag. She works in the maternity ward, taking care of new mothers and tending to infants in the nursery. “There’s a lot to do, because these days, mothers don’t stay in the hospital very long after delivery. Most go home within 12 to 24 hours,” said Giannini.
Her day usually starts by checking with the head nurse to see which patients will be hers. She then teams with a registered nurse, who organizes a plan for each patient’s care. Giannini listens to a taped report on each patient’s progress before dropping by for a visit. Then she checks vital signs and administers any medications ordered by a doctor.
She also instructs mothers in how to bathe, feed and care for their babies. “We try to include the whole family in this,” Giannini said. “Usually, the daddies and siblings are there too.”
Giannini has up to four mothers and four babies assigned to her during a shift. While some are being discharged, mothers who have just given birth arrive and are placed under her care. “Everyone is at a different point in her recovery, and sometimes there is a lot to do to get them ready to go home,” Giannini said. “We get new patients at all hours, day and night.”
OCCUPATION: Licensed vocational nurse
* What’s involved: Caring for patients in hospitals and retirement homes, usually as part of a health-care team that includes registered nurses and doctors who plan and direct patient-care procedures.
* Qualifications: Two to three years of training in both classroom and clinical settings. State board examination required after training.
* Outlook: By 1998, the number of LVNs in Orange County is projected to increase by 10.2%, to 4,000.
* Salary range: $11-$17 per hour, depending on experience.
* Pros: Most are allowed to work flexible hours, including part-time arrangements, which makes it easier to work and raise a family.
* Cons: They often work on holidays and weekends.
* Advancement: Some become community health-care educators. Others return to school to complete additional training and testing required to become a registered nurse.
* Quote: “Each of us plays an important role here. My favorite assignment is the special-care nursery for premature or sick infants.” --Debra Giannini, licensed vocational nurse, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times