As an LVN or LPN, you’re a dedicated nursing professional who spends most of your time in direct, hands-on patient interactions. As a pediatric LVN, hands-on has a whole different level of meaning. Whether you’re in a hospital pediatric unit or a pediatrician’s office, your work ranges from prepping charts and exam rooms to tracking vitals and drawing blood (not easy if your patient is 6 months old). The demand for your technical and medical skills never ends.
This is why, in California and Texas, the opportunities abound for LVNs. LVN pediatric jobs are plentiful and you’ll find there are many full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, and per diem LVN jobs both outside and inside your pediatric specialty. Should you want to move to another state, Credenza can help you find a wide range of pediatric LPN jobs as well. You can also explore related roles such as OB-GYN LVN jobs and mother-baby LVN jobs.
Pediatric LVN Education Requirements and Skills
The road to becoming an LVN (or LPN) and landing your dream LVN pediatric job of course starts with completing an approved licensed vocational nursing program. After passing the NCLEX-PN, you’re eligible to become licensed in California or Texas. Certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and wound care (WCC) will further enhance your value in the eyes of potential employers and make you a more skilled caregiver for your patients as well.
Building your skill set — including soft skills — will help you as you look for opportunities in your specialized area of pediatrics. In addition to hard skills, degrees, and certifications, working with children requires outstanding communication skills, cultural competency, and consistent empathy.
Pediatric LVN Jobs: Your Resume and Cover Letter
When you’re looking for new opportunities as a pediatric LVN, you’ll need to update your LVN resume and cover letter so you stand out from the crowd. One good technique is to have your resume reflect the exact wording an employer uses in a job ad.
So, for example, if a pediatric LVN job ad says a clinic is looking for an applicant who “skillfully and consistently performs daily clinical duties per clinic policies and procedures,” use that phrase in your resume.
Your cover letter can also illustrate examples of your experience adhering to a wide range of team protocols. Be specific so you can best illustrate what you’d bring to this particular position, as opposed to just indicating an interest in having any job.
Interviewing for Pediatric LVN Jobs
Interviews for LVN positions require the same level of attention and preparation as your most demanding little patients. How calmly and clearly you answer questions will show how you deal with stressful or quickly changing situations. But remember, as in your practice, the more you prep, the easier it is to handle a challenging situation.
Salary for LVN Pediatric Jobs
The average salary for an LVN in California is around $82,340 annually. In Texas, where the cost of living is a bit lower, it’s about $62,770. Of course your pay will depend on variables like specialized skills, years of experience, employer, and location. The states with some of the highest annual average salaries for LPNs/LVNs are:
For more information on which LVN specialties have the highest salary ranges, take a look at all the openings on Credenza.
Ready to Find LVN Pediatric Jobs Near You?
Check out all the positions available on Credenza for LVN pediatric nursing opportunities in your area. Want more options? There are more of the latest LVN jobs to choose from so you can find your perfect fit.
