Curious about LVN's making 50,000+/year

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Hello All,

I am new to the board and I am curious about a few things. I am a teacher and was in RN school before and now want to go through LVN school then later RN. I need to make 44,000/year, that is what I make now and I am living comfortably and would like it to stay that way. Thing is that I don't know if that's possible in Texas, especially the DFW area. I am willing to work in LTC's. I see some people post that they have made over 50 as an LVN per year and I am wondering HOW?? Do you ever have anytime off to be with family?

Also wondering if it is worth it going back to be a nurse in this area? I see posts that the job market is saturated and it is hard to find LVN jobs and even new RN's are having a hard time. I am scared to give up teaching to go into something that might not be that great in the DFW area.

Please any advice/help is greatly appreciated.

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

I have been an LVN since January 2006 and I live very comfortably as a single person in the DFW area without struggling from paycheck to paycheck. I earned $47k in 2006, $45k in 2007, $63k in 2008, and $47k in 2009. My income exceeded $60k in 2008 because I purposely worked 2 jobs to save money for school.

I attended school full-time last year. I worked the 16-hour weekend double shifts at a local nursing home every Saturday and Sunday while attending an RN bridge program during the week. Even though I was only working 2 long days per week, my income still exceeded $40,000 by the end of the year.

You are going to have to work in LTC, hospice, home health, prisons, or agency in order to earn decent income since the local hospitals tend to not pay LVNs well. I have spent virtually all of my career in nursing homes.

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I am new to the board and I am curious about a few things. I am a teacher and was in RN school before and now want to go through LVN school then later RN. I need to make 44,000/year, that is what I make now and I am living comfortably and would like it to stay that way. Thing is that I don't know if that's possible in Texas, especially the DFW area. I am willing to work in LTC's. I see some people post that they have made over 50 as an LVN per year and I am wondering HOW?? Do you ever have anytime off to be with family?

Also wondering if it is worth it going back to be a nurse in this area? I see posts that the job market is saturated and it is hard to find LVN jobs and even new RN's are having a hard time. I am scared to give up teaching to go into something that might not be that great in the DFW area.

Please any advice/help is greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I made 46 last year. My first year as an LVN, all in dialysis. I had 4 previous years experience in dialysis prior to becoming licensed. I attribute my salary to that. Also, worked 50+ hours most of the year.

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Do local Hospitals hire LVN's? I am in CA thinking about relocating to Texas..maybe San Antonio, there seems to be a lot of Medical facilities in this area..

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I made 46 last year. My first year as an LVN, all in dialysis. I had 4 previous years experience in dialysis prior to becoming licensed. I attribute my salary to that. Also, worked 50+ hours most of the year.

Gosh, that is interesting! I am a seasoned R.N. who can't find a job in dialysis in Colorado!

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Specializes in Dialysis.
Gosh, that is interesting! I am a seasoned R.N. who can't find a job in dialysis in Colorado!

most clinics in Dallas lately are all running very short, looking for RNs with experience! Turned into a local swap meet out here lately: I'll work at your clinic Friday if you can cover my TTS morning shift... shuffling ppl around to get adequate floor coverage. My 12-chair clinic needs a FT charge nurse. mwf, 3 shifts.

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

It's very possible to make $50,000 as a LVN here, but that would probably have to include some overtime hours. I make about $50k last year with working overtime (90+hours/pay period) at least half the year. I work 12-13 hour night shifts so I *try* to work 4 shifts/week. It can be exhausting. Once my DH is done with school I am "taking a break" and only working 3/week! However there are some nurses who can easily do overtime. I have one full time job and 2 PRN jobs. PRN employment does not include benefits so the hourly pay rate is usually higher than a regular employee. I work in 2 different hospitals and do hospice home care.

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Kat7ap are you an LVN or RN?

Can you recommend where I can find an Agency to do some night shifts around the San Antonio Medical Center area. We will be relocating to this are from SA. Thanks! ( I am a current LVN)

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.
Kat7ap are you an LVN or RN?

Can you recommend where I can find an Agency to do some night shifts around the San Antonio Medical Center area. We will be relocating to this are from SA. Thanks! ( I am a current LVN)

I'm an LVN but I live in the DFW area. Not sure about SA. I would avoid Maxim - they pay very low.

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It's very possible to make $50,000 as a LVN here, but that would probably have to include some overtime hours. I make about $50k last year with working overtime (90+hours/pay period) at least half the year. I work 12-13 hour night shifts so I *try* to work 4 shifts/week. It can be exhausting. Once my DH is done with school I am "taking a break" and only working 3/week! However there are some nurses who can easily do overtime. I have one full time job and 2 PRN jobs. PRN employment does not include benefits so the hourly pay rate is usually higher than a regular employee. I work in 2 different hospitals and do hospice home care.

Kat I also work in the DFW area ..Which hospitals hire LVN's PRN ? Im looking into hospice ..would love to do ped hospice but that prob wont happen till I finish RN school

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