Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) looking for a fast-paced, challenging position might want to consider working at a healthcare facility’s emergency department, or “emergency room” (ER). This critical role is best suited for nursing professionals who have strong critical thinking and communication skills, with the ability to stay calm in stressful situations. LVN ER jobs are performed under the supervision of RNs, involving both direct and indirect patient care.
LVNs (or LPNs — licensed practical nurses — in every state except for Texas and California) work in both urgent care clinics and hospital ERs, and have a wide range of job opportunities available to them. Credenza’s job board provides nationwide listings for full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, and per diem LVN positions, whether you’re focused on ER LVN jobs or considering other specialties. For instance, you can explore related roles such as LVN urgent care jobs or LVN med-surg jobs.
LVN Jobs in the ER: Education, Certification, and Desirable Skills
If you haven’t already obtained an LVN license, that is your first step in the process. This involves the completion of an accredited LVN (or LPN) program, which typically takes about a year and requires a high school diploma or GED. Next, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). You will receive your license after submitting the required documentation to your state board of nursing.
Once you have your license, you can start looking for LVN jobs in the ER or anywhere else your license authorizes you to work. Seeking ER or urgent care work for your nursing residency is a great way to get relevant experience and make sure this is the right specialty for you. Additionally, you might also consider specialty certifications to gain specific skills in wound care, pharmacology, or other clinical areas. These not only add to your skillset, but also bolster your resume.
Finally, you’ll want to get a general sense of what it takes to be successful and have a fulfilling career before you pursue LVN ER jobs. It’s not for everyone, but can be very rewarding for the right nursing professional. As an LVN in the ER, you’ll experience the highs and lows of hectic shifts, slow periods, and everything in between. You’ll need to be ready to respond to serious trauma and relatively minor illnesses with calm, confident professionalism.
Here are some of the most important soft skills an ER LVN should exhibit:
- Creative problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Stress-management
- Effective communication
- Cultural competence
Resume and Cover Letter for LVN ER Jobs
First impressions are indeed important, particularly when it comes to job applications. For hiring managers, their first impression of you is typically your resume and cover letter. Keeping in mind that employers are probably looking through dozens of LVN resumes at once, you’ll want to capture their attention (or the attention of AI-enabled software) by using the terminology listed in the job description. For instance, if they prefer applicants with ACLS certification, then be sure to mention this on your resume (assuming it’s applicable).
Your cover letter (whether it’s attached as a document or typed into a dialogue box on the application site) should be targeted and concise, but it’s also an opportunity to expand on certain skills and experiences that make you an exceptional candidate. For instance, you might mention that you worked at an urgent care clinic during your residency or have special training in trauma care. It’s also a chance to make a more personal connection and express your values and work ethic. What you don’t want to do is simply regurgitate what’s already on your resume.
Interviewing for ER LVN Jobs
Based on the merits of your cover letter and resume, you may be called in for an interview (or series of interviews). This means you look good on paper, but they want to get a better sense of you as a person and prospective employee. Those seeking LVN ER jobs will want to show the interviewer that they possess the right temperament to handle a potentially stressful role with confidence and grace. Employers will also be paying close attention to how you communicate and think on your feet.
It’s always important to be yourself, but don’t go into the interview unprepared. Instead, review frequently asked ER nurse job interview questions (along with more general LVN interview questions) and consider how you might answer questions like these in ways that highlight your strengths:
- How do you prioritize care for multiple patients during a spike in patients when you’re understaffed?
- What is your motivation for working in the emergency department?
- What are your strategies for managing stress, both on the floor and in your personal life?
If you have any questions for the interviewer, this is the time to ask them. For instance, you may want to ask about orientation, training, and shift flexibility.
LVN ER Jobs: Salary and Compensation
The average yearly salary for LVNs/LPNs in the U.S. is $67,050, or $32.24 per hour. This varies quite a bit based on the cost of living in a given state, the recruiting challenges of a given facility or region, and other factors. Whether you’re seeking work as an LVN in Texas or California, or LPN jobs in any of the other states, make sure you understand these differences before you apply.
The following states pay some of the highest salaries and hourly wages for LVNs (or LPNs):
Find the Right LVN ER Jobs on Credenza
Ready to take an exciting career step? We can help. If you want to see even more job options, explore all the latest LVN jobs in a variety of specialties and facilities right now.
