LVN Jobs in the United States

LVN Jobs Overview

If you’ve dreamed of working in healthcare, becoming an LVN (licensed vocational nurse) is one of the fastest ways to get your career started.

The first thing you should know is that LVN jobs are located only in Texas and California. The rest of the U.S. refers to this position as an LPN (licensed practical nurse). Having either set of initials after your name puts you in a job where you will spend most of your time interacting with patients. You’ll work bedside to gather their medical histories, monitor vital signs, and provide them with meals and hygiene assistance. You’ll also work with an RN who will supervise you.

You may work in a variety of places as an LVN. The most common facilities that need LVNs are hospitals, senior care facilities, physicians’ offices, and clinics. You can also find LVN jobs with home health companies where you will work in a patient’s home to provide care.

If working in healthcare technology interests you, you can expand your search to related jobs such as:

• EMT jobs
• radiology jobs
• surgical tech jobs

If you live outside Texas or California, you can look for LPN jobs.

LVN Education and Skills

You can enroll in an LVN program at a tech school or community college with a high school diploma or GED. Some high schools offer LVN programs before graduation, and you can also find hospitals that train LVNs. You can complete the classes in as little as one year.

A typical LVN program includes classes in:

• nursing
• biology
• pharmacology

You will also get clinical experience before you graduate by working under the supervision of an RN in a healthcare facility. Upon completion of classes and clinical experience, you will receive either a certificate or a diploma.

To practice as an LVN, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for your state. To give your career a boost, you can also become certified in specialties that include gerontology and IV therapy. Getting your certification in CPR is also a good idea since some employers will require it.

In addition to education and experience, the Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies several qualities that are important for LVNs. These include:

• compassion
• detail-orientation
• interpersonal skills
• patience

Update Your LVN Resume

You can get ideas and tips for your resume by looking at this sample for an LPN resume. You can also use this sample nursing cover letter for your application package. You can browse all of Monster’s resume writing tips and cover letter tips for more ideas about how to get more interview opportunities.

Interviewing for an LVN Job

When it comes time for interviews for LVN jobs, Monster is here to help. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview and keep your nerves at bay is to study potential interview questions and take some time to think about how you will answer. We just happen to have sample LPN interview questions and answers to help you do just that!

Examples of common LVN interview questions include:

• Why did you decide to become a licensed vocational nurse?
• How well do you perform under pressure and during stressful situations?
• Tell me about a time when you had to calm an irritated patient.

How Much Does an LVN Job Pay?

According to Monster, the median pay for a licensed practical/vocational nurse in the U.S. is $24.69 per hour. Monster’s Salary Tools shows you the salary range is from $19.61 to $33.16. Plug in your geographical location to find out what salary to expect as an LPN/LVN where you plan to work. You will also see salaries for related jobs and a list of current job postings on the salary page.

Want to Learn More About a Company You’re Interested In?

Monster’s Company Profiles can give you a heads up on the organizations you’re interested in. It’s a great way to begin your research to see if a job is a good fit. Enter an organization’s name, and if they’re in our database, you’ll find things like:

• what benefits they offer
• how many years they’ve been in business
• their mission statement

Monster Will Breathe Life Into Your LVN Job Search

We’ve got our pulse on the LVN jobs in your area. You can get started looking at opportunities right on this page. Start out strong by creating a profile on Monster. It can connect you with recruiters looking to fill LVN positions in your area. Monster will also use your preferences to send you customized job openings and career advice.