What is the Best job for new LVN?

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jul 17, 2015

I think that the answer depends on your personal goals, but IMHO these are the most important (in order of priority):

1. Find a facility/unit with a sufficient orientation. It seems as though nothing else burns out new nurses faster.

2. Find a facility/unit/work environment that is generally supportive. A great unit can make you look forward to coming to work every day, and a toxic work culture can make you hate your life.

3. Find a unit/job/specialty that you're passionate about. If the nature of the patient population or care just isn't your thing, you probably won't enjoy it as much and may get burned out more quickly.

Best of luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2015

My response will likely go against the general grain, but the OP is located in San Diego per his/her posting history.

The San Diego area has very few jobs for new grad LVNs, so you cannot afford to be picky. Therefore, the best job for a new LVN in San Diego is the workplace that will actually hire you in the first place. You've gotta take what you can get. Good luck!

XamWu · Aug 21, 2015

Wow. Firstly NEVER SETTLE!! Keep trying until you find a job you like. Keep in mind that as a new Nurse everyday wont be peaches, but there will be days when you realize the reason you became a nurse in the first place! In my opinion the best place for a new nurse is a SNF. It is tough, but you will get experience in handling familys, rude staff, a multitude of different diseases and treatments. You will become proficient in medications, wound care and injections. YOU WILL WORK HARD but after you will have the confidence and skills to work anywhere. Best wishes!

VanessaK83 · Aug 25, 2015

It took me about four months to find a job that I wanted to take. Many sketchy dirty LTC facilities I turned down because I knew my license would be at risk and it would hurt my soul. Found a job doing pediatric home care nursing and my agency gave us new grads a one week class in trachs and vents (unpaid but was a great refresher since we just brushed be topic in nursing school). Don't settle, it will make you wonder why you went into nursing if you don't like it!

Nurse King

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Aug 27, 2015

I'm with The Commuter: A paying job is the best job for a new nurse. After you have some experience you will have marketable skills and can be more choosy about employment.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2015

I'm with The Commuter: A paying job is the best job for a new nurse. After you have some experience you will have marketable skills and can be more choosy about employment.

I agree in theory with the previous respondents who insist you must "never settle," but once a year of unemployment rolls around the corner, most people are in a financial situation where they must take whatever job they can get.

Again, the OP is in San Diego, a place with too many new grad LVNs and too few jobs. Advising someone to "never settle" when job-hunting in a tough employment market such as San Diego is a firm step toward career suicide.