LVN – LPN Jobs

Finding a job as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) isn’t as difficult as one might think. LPN jobs are available in many settings and locations, but in certain areas, they are on the decline in larger hospitals. While this might seem like a bad thing for those currently searching for employment, for the properly educated job seeker, this is actually a blessing in disguise.

Where are the Majority of LPN Jobs?

Where to find LPN JobsBecause of the shift in health care employment, LPN jobs and LVN jobs are opening up in many other places. For instance, if a licensed LPN/LVN were looking for a job today, he or she would do best to search for openings in places such as:

  • Nursing homes
  • Home health care
  • Clinics
  • Doctor’s offices
  • Group homes
  • Rehab centers
  • Hospices
  • Private duty cases
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Schools
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Agencies
  • Prisons

There are many LPN jobs in facilities like these across the country. If there are none available in a particular area, a person willing to move to another locale will find not only more job opportunities, but possibly also better pay. Where a person lives and works is one of the factors that as an LPN/LVN can directly affect his or her salary.

Top 10 Best States By Median Salary for LPN/LVN

Here are the top ten best states to work in as an LPN/LVN according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics numbers.

Practical Nurse Vocational Nurse top 10 SalarySource

How to Find LPN Jobs through Networking

As far as actually finding a job goes, once you decide where you want to work and in what type of facility, a good idea is to contact the job placement program where the LPN/LVN earned his or her certification. These programs have special access to listings that might not be readily available to the general public. Plus, through the school’s connections, a candidate’s reference might be rated significantly higher when coming from a particular institution.

Another possible source for employment will come from the connections the LPN/LVN made when you were in your LPN/LVN school. Prospective employees should contact their former classmates and ask around if there are any openings. Oftentimes, personal recommendations are likely to be considered by employers first as many prefer to hire in-house, or as close to it as possible. This is especially true with private doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and similar settings. For this reason, networking and staying in touch with colleagues and peers is very important for finding LPN jobs.

Finding LPN Jobs the Traditional Way

LPN LVN JobsIn addition to this, a LPN/LVN searching for a job should prepare an attractive resume. The resume should include copies of his or her nursing license, outlines of direct and indirect nursing experience, a well-written cover letter, letters of recommendation and any awards or evidence of exceptional grades.  Send the resume out to different locations around the country, using the above pay scale numbers as a guide. Keep in mind that the more demand there is for jobs, the higher the pay generally will be.

Be sure to also load the resume up to job sites so potential employers can peruse them on their own time. Career building sites are just about everywhere nowadays, so be sure to pick the top four or five sites and create profiles on each. Pay close attention to the requirements on each site as they may differ.  Provide only what the site asks for and nothing more.

Finally, applying for LPN jobs directly is a sound employment strategy. Visit local nursing homes, health care centers and hospitals, applying in person.  Even if there isn’t a direct opening, making a good impression by coming in and being polite and cordial will often put a prospective employee at the top of the short list. Be certain to bring resume copies and provide clear, up-to-date contact information.

LPN Jobs vs Careers

It shouldn’t be long before hearing back from potential employers. It’s smart to do some research on the facility that is offering the job. Higher starting salaries are great, but not when there is no chance for advancement. Try to choose the job let’s you enjoy the great benefits of your career as an LPN/LVN, not just short-term LPN jobs.