LVNs: A Critical Part of the Patient Care Team

While registered nurses make up the vast majority of nurses at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, the two-dozen-plus licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, on the nursing team are an integral part of why St. Luke’s is a Magnet hospital. They serve an important role on the care team that consists of patient care assistants and registered nurses, not to mention all the other various and sundry players that help patients on the road to recovery.

One LVN who has been providing her own special brand of tender-loving care to St. Luke’s patients for almost 30 years is June Gasery. Since 1974, this soft-spoken native Texan has been caring for patients throughout the entire hospital.

“It never was my desire to transfer units because I enjoyed every one of them, so I just went wherever I was needed most at the time,” says Gasery.

One area she has particularly fond memories of is obstetrics, where she worked for 14 years.

“I loved working with patients in the beginning of their lives,” she recalled.

Gasery’s LVN experience was preceeded by a 10-year stint as a St. Luke’s nurse’s aide. “I went to Houston Community College’s LVN program at night because I decided I wanted to be more knowledgeable and to be able to offer a higher level of care,” she explained.

Gasery has decided against becoming a registered nurse. “I really enjoy being right at the patient’s bedside and so I decided to stay an LVN.”

Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers show the demand for Texas LVNs is projected to grow by 24 percent. Vocational nursing training programs usually require one year of study. LVNs provide basic bedside care to patients, checking vital signs, applying dressings, helping patients with bathing and personal hygiene and administering prescribed medications – all under the direction of physicians and RNs. LVNs observe and report patients’ symptoms and reaction to treatment and medication.

Gasery, mother of three sons, considers her current position that of “middle person” – working between the patient care assistants and the RNs.

“I pick up the slack wherever my help is needed.”

Working with patient care assistants as she has over the years, Gasery is able to share her views with the next generation of nurses considering their career prospects.

“I tell them to look it over in their heart – if they’re always putting their patients’ well being first, and if that’s what gives them a big thrill in life – then nursing is definitely the right pursuit for them,” explains Gasery.

In 1982, Gasery was the recipient of the St. Luke’s Merit Award for her heroic assistance in safely evacuating some obstetrics patients, and two years ago, she was thrilled to receive a Presidential Service Award. When St. Luke’s Magnet designation was announced in May 2001 it was an even higher honor for this LVN.

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