Meet Malana Malonson!
At United Career Institute (UCI), your instructors will prepare you with the knowledge and hands-on clinical skills needed to care for patients as a practical nurse*, and you’ll also have the Career Management Director, Malana Malonson, helping you launch your career after graduation.
Malana is passionate about helping Practical Nursing students turn their education into employment. Continue reading this blog to learn more about how, from the moment students begin the program until after they graduate, Malana works alongside them to provide career guidance, professional development, and employer connections that help them feel confident entering the nursing workforce.
Helping You Prepare for More Than Graduation
Becoming a practical nurse isn’t just about passing exams and completing clinicals; it’s also about being prepared to enter the workforce with confidence. That’s why career management begins well before graduation.
Throughout the practical nursing training program, Malana provides students with resources and individualized support designed to help them become competitive job candidates. Whether it’s answering career questions, discussing employment goals, or preparing students for interviews, her focus is on making sure every graduate feels ready for the next step. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Career Management services throughout their education, not just during their final weeks of school.
Building a Professional Resume
One of the first steps in preparing for a practical nursing career is creating a professional resume. Many students have previous work experience but have never created a resume specifically designed for healthcare employers.
Malana works with Practical Nursing students to highlight their education, clinical experiences, certifications, and transferable skills. She also provides individualized feedback to help students present themselves professionally and confidently. A strong resume can make a lasting first impression, and Career Management helps students ensure theirs stands out.
Preparing for Nursing Interviews
Interviews can feel intimidating, especially for first-time nursing graduates. That’s why interview preparation is an important part of Career Management.
Malana provides students with common Practical Nursing interview questions, tips for answering behavioral interview questions, and guidance on professional communication. Students can also meet with her to practice interviewing, receive feedback, and build confidence before meeting with employers. By the time graduation arrives, students have had the opportunity to prepare for the types of questions they’ll likely encounter during the hiring process.
Connecting Students with Employers
One of the most valuable services of Career Management is helping students connect with healthcare employers throughout the region. Malana works to build relationships with hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, physician offices, home health agencies, and other healthcare organizations that hire new practical nurses. These connections allow students to learn about current job opportunities and gain insight into what employers are looking for in new graduates.
Throughout the year, students may also have opportunities to attend career fairs and employer networking events where they can introduce themselves to recruiters, ask questions, and begin building professional relationships before graduation. These experiences help students feel more comfortable entering the job market and give them opportunities to explore different areas of nursing.
Supporting Students Beyond Graduation
Career Management doesn’t end when students graduate. Malana continues to assist graduates as they begin their careers by sharing employment opportunities, answering career-related questions, and providing ongoing support during their job search.
Whether graduates are looking for their first nursing position or considering a new opportunity later in their careers, UCI’s Career Management team remains a valuable resource. This continued support reflects UCI’s commitment to helping students succeed long after they complete the Practical Nursing program.
Helping Students Reach Milestones Is the Goal
Malana understands that every student’s journey is different. Some students are entering healthcare for the first time, while others are making a career change or returning to school after years away from the classroom. No matter where students begin, she is committed to helping each individual achieve their professional goals.
Her favorite part of the job is celebrating with students as they reach important milestones, from completing clinical experiences and preparing for graduation to accepting their very first practical nursing position. Watching students grow into confident healthcare professionals is what Malana believes makes Career Management so rewarding.
Your Practical Nursing Career Starts at UCI
At United Career Institute, Practical Nursing students receive more than an education. They gain a support system that is invested in their future success.
With dedicated instructors teaching the clinical skills needed to provide patient care and Career Management Director Malana Malonson helping students prepare for employment, graduates leave UCI ready to take the next step in their nursing careers.
If you’re considering becoming a practical nurse*, choose UCI; you’ll find encouragement, guidance, and career support every step of the way. Request information to connect with an admissions team member today!
*Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a Practical Nurse.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.