America's Newest Nurse

Published

I just got hired for my first job an an LVN in a convalescent center. My starting pay is $18.50 an hour. My question is what should I expect as a new nurse? I know it can be different wherever you go but I am really nervous. Also....is my pay rate low, average or high for a new nurse? For the record I live in California.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Hi, there! Congratulations on landing your first nursing job! :yeah:

I'm originally from California, and left the state in 2005 after completing an LVN program in the San Fernando Valley. My personal experience is that the pay rates for LVNs in CA should be a little higher when you take the cost-of-living into account. RNs are paid well in CA, but the LVN pay rates leave something to be desired in my opinion.

I have been living in Texas since late 2005. My first job was at a nursing home for $18.50 hourly, and I remained at this place for 2 years. I recently started working at another nursing home for the pay rate of $23 hourly, which is pretty good money.

Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just graduated and make over 21 an hour, not counting shift diff! The best thing that you can do is ask a lot of questions. If you act stuck up people wont want to help you. Dont worry because EVERYONE is nervous. If they are not nervous there is a problem. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Congrats on your first job.

Around here in Florida that would be a fair salary. But elsewhere they wouldn't think so. It depends on where you're located.

I'll move this post to the LTC forum since you're asking some specific questions about what to expect on the job.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion