Landing Your First Job as an LVN: Strategies and Tips
When it comes to pursuing a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, securing your first job as an LVN is an elevating experience. Joining a vocation dedicated to comforting and helping others in a time of need is not just fulfilling; you also become a valuable team member in any healthcare institution you work.
Certified nursing schools, like National Career College in Los Angeles, could see you graduate in as little as 14 months. Energizing your career and preparing you to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-VN) is one thing. Once you’ve passed, your next objective is to secure your first LVN position in the healthcare sector.
While this may initially sound daunting, fear not… in this article, we can guide you through the key aspects that can fast-track landing your first licensed vocational nurse job after graduation. So, keep reading as we explore how to capitalize on California's growing number of LVN opportunities.
Showcase Your Value Through Hands-on Clinical Internship Training
Impressively, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the licensed vocational nurse job outlook will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. Therefore, it’s vital you extract and promote the LVN job duties and skills you learn through your hands-on clinical internship training.
When you consider the BLS equates this growth to about 58,800 licensed vocational nurse job openings per year, on average, over the decade. Clinical internships like those included at National Career College’s LVN diploma program help make you a superb proposition to healthcare facilities' recruitment drives.
The Benefits of Practical Volunteering and Networking
Furthermore, building upon the BLS’s predicted LVN job outlook, never underestimate the importance of additional licensed vocational nurse job volunteering. This provides a fantastic opportunity to build a professional network of fellow healthcare professionals while also perfecting your nursing skills in real-time clinical environments.
The key to uncovering these vocational nurse opportunities you’ll need to approach your local healthcare practices directly or to look out for any facilities advertising for volunteers. Here you can acquire additional practical experience at many of your regional:
- Residential care homes
- Public and private hospitals
- Doctors and physicians’ offices
- Home healthcare providers
Realize Your Earning Potential by Searching For ‘LVN Jobs Near Me’
Because of the variety of workplace locations where entry-level LVN jobs can be found, it’s vital to grasp an understanding of your income potential. For example, ZipRecruiter calculated that the median wage of a licensed vocational nurse job in Los Angeles was above the national average, achieving over $65,580 as of June 2023.
However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also determined that the top 10% earned more than $63,790 in the same period. So, by researching the different vocational nurse work available, you can determine the most rewarding sectors and healthcare facilities you’d like to pursue your career in.
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Winning LVN Job Resume
Similarly to other professions, creating a stand-out resume is an essential practice. However, when applying for entry-level vocational nurse jobs, this becomes a fantastic platform to emphasize your vocational nursing training, clinical internship skill set, and volunteering experience.
Prospective employers within the healthcare sector ultimately value candidates with extensive hands-on experience. Why? Because typically, you can start work immediately without the need for additional training.
Another critical point is to keep your Curriculum Vitae (CV) relevant by sticking to a one-page format. You can highlight your education and training before detailing the job duties and skills you’ve mastered in real-life clinical environments.
Prepare in Advance for Your LVN Job Interview
Maximize the opportunity of your licensed vocational nurse job interview to make a great first impression on your potential employer. Remember, your nursing education, practical training, and volunteer work are valuable assets they want to invest in. This background ensures you stand out as a strong potential employee to the interviewer.
Additionally, ensure you research questions that a potential employer at a vocational nursing job may ask you, and keep your responses engaging. And finally, for extra points during your interview, prepare several questions you can ask the interviewer about the work environment too.
First Job as an LVN: Stepping into Your Nursing Career with Confidence
Just imagine, in as little as 14 months of training, you too could be searching for ‘LVN jobs near me.’ That’s because here at National Career College, our comprehensive education and training teach you the essential licensed vocational nurse job duties to prepare you for the state’s (NCLEX-VN) exam.
As an aspiring LVN, National Career College is committed to ensuring a brighter future and helping you achieve your dream career in nursing. So don’t just settle for the vocation you’re in now… requalify so you can start applying for the various LVN job positions in the healthcare industry available across California.
Become A Highly Skilled LVN With National Career College’s Diploma Program - Join Us Today!
