How to Find Licensed Vocation Nurse Jobs
Nursing is one of the few fields that is rarely affected by any kind of slump in the job market. In fact, there is a nursing shortage across the country, and workers are needed at even level, starting with licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). As an LVN (also called a licensed practical nurse or LPN in many states), you’ll work giving basic care to patients. Getting an LN education only takes about a year, but once you have your certification, how do you go about finding a job?
First, consider going where the jobs are located. If you aren’t tied to a certain place, you may want to consider moving where the most opportunity lies for LVNs. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest concentration of LVNS are as follows:
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- North Dakota
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
So, these are great places to start your search for a job. You can also check out the following metropolitan areas, which have the highest concentration of LVNs:
- Abilene, Texas
- Dothan, Alabama
- Sandusky, Ohio
- Lawton, Oklahoma
- Utica-Rome, New York
To be more general, the types of facilities that hire the most LVNs include the following:
- Nursing Care Facilities (Nursing Homes)
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Offices of Physicians
- Home Health Care Services
- Employment Services
In nursing homes alone, there are over 200,000 employees every year, and many facilities of all kinds are short-staffed throughout the year. As an LVN, you shouldn’t have to look hard to find job opportunities.
The tricky part is finding a job that you like. As an LVN, you can expect to make an average of around $40,000 annually, but in some facilities, the pay is quite low, while in others it is very, very high. Money may not be your primary concern – you may instead be seeking a job in a specific field. Some types of healthcare need more workers than others, and typically, the most workers are needed in fields that many nurses don’t like. Here are some tips you can use to get hired for any job to which you apply, even if the position is highly competitive (because of a high salary, desirable working conditions, or other reasons):
- Consider advanced training in your field. You don’t have to go back to college to be an RN if you’re happy as and LVN, but take advance of situations where you can learn. Most facilities offer voluntary training programs for their staff, and taking these classes could mean that you qualify for a better job in the future.
- Work hard in college so you have good references lined up. Yes, prospective employers will call your references, and if you list professors that barely knew you or ones who got a mediocre impression of your work ethic while in school, it isn’t likely that they’ll rave about you to a potential employer.
- Be willing to move. As you can see from above, there are some places where it is easier to find a job than others.
Online LVN to BSN Degree Programs
For those looking to make the jump from being a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to registered nurse (RN), the LVN to BSN degree is the perfect choice. Below are several accredited online colleges that offer nursing degree programs, ideal for any LVN/LPN looking to advance their careers and earn higher salaries.
Featured Programs
Other Online Nursing Degrees
For even more BSN degrees, click here...
Search for your LVN to BSN degree...
Complete this short form and we'll match you with degree programs tailored to your interests.
