Best/Worst States for LPN opportunities

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2007

I'm sorry, what is a MTA/LVN and how do the job duties differ or add to a "regular" LPN? Thanks!

An MTA/LVN is a prison nurse for the California Department of Corrections...

hippychic121269 · Jun 14, 2007

Texas is good according to what I have read on this posting board. I have worked in ER for the last 17 years as a LVN. All hosptials around the Houston area hire LVN's except St. Lukes, which is kinda crazy since they have a major nursing shortage and fill about 1/3 of thier shifts with agency nurses. I make $19.92 base salary, with critical care diff of $2 per hour. I believe that Long Term Acute Care facilities pay the best around here though.

Good Luck and God Bless:saint:

newtress, LPN · Jun 15, 2007

Hey there BigB, you've got me all in a tither now. I'm originally from Sacramento and currently live out of state in Louisiana. I plan on finishing my LPN program here in Lou and return to Sac because my family is there also. Are there any other areas an LPN/LVN can work other than corrections that you feel are decent positions? I wanted to work in corrections, and now I understand it is quite hard to get hired into CDC. And to think that people either laughed at me or told me I was crazy two years ago when I said that I wanted to do correctional nursing. Anyway, there's got to be some better positions besides LTC and assisted living. Any suggestions?

BigB · Jun 17, 2007

Hey there BigB, you've got me all in a tither now. I'm originally from Sacramento and currently live out of state in Louisiana. I plan on finishing my LPN program here in Lou and return to Sac because my family is there also. Are there any other areas an LPN/LVN can work other than corrections that you feel are decent positions? I wanted to work in corrections, and now I understand it is quite hard to get hired into CDC. And to think that people either laughed at me or told me I was crazy two years ago when I said that I wanted to do correctional nursing. Anyway, there's got to be some better positions besides LTC and assisted living. Any suggestions?

I have that effect on people hehe.

Corrections LVN and MTA/LVN are two very different things. The LVN's that work in the state prisons make very little money $19 -24 / hr with ok benefits, and retirement. But $24/ hr is not worth it to work in a prison!!! This puts you at earning under $50,000 / year to deal with murders, rapists, and child molesters EVERY SINGLE DAY!! The inmate populations is, by and large, very manipulative.

With that said, the MTA/LVN option is a million times better. The MTA/LVN have a salary of $74,000 ($36 / hr) and bring in on average $80,000 -100,000 a year with OT. Some make $150,000+. Plus, MTA/LVN's have the best retirement in the nation as it is a peace officer retirement that can be acheived at 50 years old. At 50...I am done, feet kicked up, working a thing of the past. The bene's are amazing too.

LTC in northern california is a disaster. Unless of course you like taking care of 50 residents by yourself, getting yelled at by angry family members, having grey hair, going bald young etc etc. I got out just in the nick of time, let me tell you. I had the comb over thing going on...it was rough!

Join us

Become an MTA/LVN.

dschueler · Jun 17, 2007

SoCal pays VERY well, but costs an arm and a leg to live here. One idea is to go to Craig's List for the different states and read the job opportunities.

I am originally from GA, and I know there are many, many jobs there and they will allow you to do more as an LPN than other states....check it out!!

Someone also told me Texas was a great state for more autonomy too.

Deb

Midwest4me · Jun 17, 2007

I have that effect on people hehe.
Corrections LVN and MTA/LVN are two very different things. The LVN's that work in the state prisons make very little money $19 -24 / hr with ok benefits, and retirement. But $24/ hr is not worth it to work in a prison!!! This puts you at earning under $50,000 / year to deal with murders, rapists, and child molesters EVERY SINGLE DAY!! The inmate populations is, by and large, very manipulative.
With that said, the MTA/LVN option is a million times better. The MTA/LVN have a salary of $74,000 ($36 / hr) and bring in on average $80,000 -100,000 a year with OT. Some make $150,000+. Plus, MTA/LVN's have the best retirement in the nation as it is a peace officer retirement that can be acheived at 50 years old. At 50...I am done, feet kicked up, working a thing of the past. The bene's are amazing too.
LTC in northern california is a disaster. Unless of course you like taking care of 50 residents by yourself, getting yelled at by angry family members, having grey hair, going bald young etc etc. I got out just in the nick of time, let me tell you. I had the comb over thing going on...it was rough!
Join us
Become an MTA/LVN.

WOW Big-B is that $74,000 starting pay for an MTA/LPN? Does the position require some experience working in prisons? I have 2.5 years of such experience as a Correctional Officer many years ago and now many years as an LPN---how difficult is it to get a different state's license(i.e., CA)? I also live in the northwest and have recently received letters from the CA State Penal system advertising for LVNs--the state must really have a shortage---the letter detailed all kinds of sign-on bonuses! I'm concerned about the cost of housing though there. For example for $1600/mo mortgage here my husband and I are buying our home (been here 10.5 years) that has 1800 square feet. I hear stories of renting a 1-bedroom apt in Ca for that much!

BigB · Jun 17, 2007

WOW Big-B is that $74,000 starting pay for an MTA/LPN? Does the position require some experience working in prisons? I have 2.5 years of such experience as a Correctional Officer many years ago and now many years as an LPN---how difficult is it to get a different state's license(i.e., CA)? I also live in the northwest and have recently received letters from the CA State Penal system advertising for LVNs--the state must really have a shortage---the letter detailed all kinds of sign-on bonuses! I'm concerned about the cost of housing though there. For example for $1600/mo mortgage here my husband and I are buying our home (been here 10.5 years) that has 1800 square feet. I hear stories of renting a 1-bedroom apt in Ca for that much!

$74,000 is your salary after about 4 years as an MTA. Starting would be around $60,000. No experience needed. The CO training would help a lot, as we share duties with them. It should be easy to get the CA license as long as you didn't challene. Working as a corrections LVN not not worth it for what you will be dealing with.

I own a 1500 sq foot house.....$280,000 , morgage is $1,900. nice neighborhood. CA is a high cost living because it is nice and so many people keep coming here!!

NursePski · Jun 18, 2007

Hi1 I used to live in Buffalo, Ny-we moved to Virginia many years ago. The jobs here are many and the money is fantasic. Try the Northern Va. area, just outside DC

I'm so tired of where I live and I plan on just packing my bags and hitting the road. I was wondering where are some of the places I should look into that has great opportunities and pay for LPN's and which cities should I avoid all together?
I live in Upstate NY right now.

classicmusic09 · Jun 18, 2007

I have that effect on people hehe.
Corrections LVN and MTA/LVN are two very different things. The LVN's that work in the state prisons make very little money $19 -24 / hr with ok benefits, and retirement. But $24/ hr is not worth it to work in a prison!!! This puts you at earning under $50,000 / year to deal with murders, rapists, and child molesters EVERY SINGLE DAY!! The inmate populations is, by and large, very manipulative.
With that said, the MTA/LVN option is a million times better. The MTA/LVN have a salary of $74,000 ($36 / hr) and bring in on average $80,000 -100,000 a year with OT. Some make $150,000+. Plus, MTA/LVN's have the best retirement in the nation as it is a peace officer retirement that can be acheived at 50 years old. At 50...I am done, feet kicked up, working a thing of the past. The bene's are amazing too.
LTC in northern california is a disaster. Unless of course you like taking care of 50 residents by yourself, getting yelled at by angry family members, having grey hair, going bald young etc etc. I got out just in the nick of time, let me tell you. I had the comb over thing going on...it was rough!
Join us
Become an MTA/LVN.

Dear Big B, you just described my last job! Maybe that's why I have this thinning hair thing going on! Got two wigs, and thinking about some hair pieces! The MTA/LVN position, sounds interesting. What are the med passes like? Thanks!

MsLady06 · Jun 18, 2007

any place that pays less than $20 hourly

BigB · Jun 18, 2007

Dear Big B, you just described my last job! Maybe that's why I have this thinning hair thing going on! Got two wigs, and thinking about some hair pieces! The MTA/LVN position, sounds interesting. What are the med passes like? Thanks!

The med pass is only about 30 inmates that takes about 30 - 40 minutes to complete. The good news is they don't take the 10, 11, 12 meds each like you see in LTC. This is what makes the TWO med passes in LTC per shift so bad. My first med pass on PM shift in LTC took 3 hours to complete....yes 3!! My smaller med pass took over an hour. As an MTA you only have to do meds about 3 1/2 months the entire year as we rotate the med position. Your main duty is the saftey rounds, escorting, and providing security / custody on the unit floors. (I.E protecting the Dr's and RN's).

classicmusic09 · Jun 18, 2007

The med pass is only about 30 inmates that takes about 30 - 40 minutes to complete. The good news is they don't take the 10, 11, 12 meds each like you see in LTC. This is what makes the TWO med passes in LTC per shift so bad. My first med pass on PM shift in LTC took 3 hours to complete....yes 3!! My smaller med pass took over an hour. As an MTA you only have to do meds about 3 1/2 months the entire year as we rotate the med position. Your main duty is the saftey rounds, escorting, and providing security / custody on the unit floors. (I.E protecting the Dr's and RN's).

Dear Big B, Thank you for the info. Thank you for identifying, with us! Many times, I've felt overwhelmed, and one of my, peers would say, you just have to get used to it! So I'd smile and keep going, but one day I found her on the back hall, in tears! We try to put up a front, but I think it's best to admit it, when you need a change. I don't know about me being an officer, but I like the idea, of a rotating med pass! How cool is that! Also the benefits etc. but I'm a grandma X2, so I should probably, look for something a little safer? Be Blessed!