Becoming A Nurse in San Diego and RN v. LVN

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 1, 2010

There is a difference between an LVN and RN (I know, I'm both)

I became an LVN because I wasn't sure if being an RN was for me, and you know how much school/dedication it is to become an RN.

My LVN program was about a year long, it was a trade school program.

LVN's are licensed to give medications (either by mouth, injections (such as subcutaneous and intra-muscular), eye drops, etc with a doctors order. The big difference between an LVN and RN as far as medication giving is that RN's can give IV medications. In the state of California, an LVN can only hang primary IV fluids, such as normal saline, and I believe, give blood (unless this has changed) or start and IV *as long as they have become IV certified*

LVN's tend to work in nursing homes, clinics, group homes and rarely in hospitals. Since you seem familiar with Riverside County, my first job was at a nursing home in Riverside and I made 17.50/hr in 2005.

RN's tend to have a little more authority, and definitely more knowledge (hopefully) and critical thinking involved in their job. They would be the supervisors at these nursing homes, clinics, group homes. Though in the hospital they are definitely the primary care-taker. This is also where the most money can be made typically. Depending on the department in the hospital, or where they work, the tasks can vary greatly, usually there is quite a bit of paperwork, and a need for great assessment skills and thinking outside the box.

My first (and only) job is in an ICU in San Bernardino, my base pay is about 32/hr though with my night differential it's closer to 37/hr. I work 3 12's a week.

I hope this answered your questions.

Good luck to you!

marineswife0809 · Feb 10, 2010

Kaplan college is around the area. majority of all the students that came to my job for clinicals were from there. i believe is monday thr friday 8-4 but u dont stay until 4 pm. and the cost is 30000