See What It Takes To Thrive as an LVN
As a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) with Cedars-Sinai, you’ll have opportunities to learn, grow and lead as you work directly with patients.
My life as an LVN
Hi. My name is Nicole Jones. I’m a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and supervisor of clinical operations with Cedars-Sinai. I’ve worked as part of the system for ten years, and I’m going to walk you through my typical day as an LVN, some of the things I’ve learned and what makes this a great place to build your career.
My typical day
Though each day is different, I usually start by reviewing the schedule and huddling with my team. This helps to make sure we’re prepared to provide the high quality, compassionate care our patients need.
During my shift, I’ll oversee clinical workflows and work with the support staff. I always assist with patient care when it’s needed while also keeping an eye on both safety and service standards. These are critical to our overall success.
Leading, learning and caring
Nurses who are new to the LVN roles might be surprised at how much leadership and coordination we take on. This could include helping onboard new staff, solving daily operational issues or jumping in to support front office flow. As an LVN, you need to be very hands-on and constantly collaborate with your team.
I didn’t learn to lead on my own. Cedars-Sinai helped me with leadership development opportunities. I’m glad that my mentors challenged me and supported my transition into a leadership role.
However, success in this role takes more than leadership. We also need to care for each patient. For example, we had a regular patient who was always anxious. It was starting to affect their care. But over time, we worked together to build trust. I was proud to see their confidence in our team grow. On their last visit, they said they felt “seen and heard”—that really stuck with me and reminded me why this work matters.
Growing as a team
Together, we work hard to create a culture that’s supportive and team-driven. We lean on each other, celebrate wins and work through challenges together. It’s a high-performing environment, but one that genuinely values kindness and collaboration.
We didn’t create this environment on our own. Cedars-Sinai makes a real investment in our development—whether it’s through training, tuition reimbursement or leadership programs like I mentioned before. Plus, there’s a strong emphasis on wellness and work-life balance. This helps all of us show up at our best.
My advice to LVNs
From day one, be ready to grow. You’ll be challenged in the best way and surrounded by people who want to see you succeed. This is a place where your voice matters, and your work truly makes a difference.
Before I started, I wish I knew just how dynamic and fast-paced healthcare leadership can be. It’s not just about clinical skills—it’s about communication, adaptability and leading by example every day.
If you’re ready to grow as a nurse and give your patients the best care possible, join me as an LVN at Cedars-Sinai.
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