Experinced LVN relocating to San Diego in July 2013

[erinkyl82]

Hello fellow nurses,

I have been an LVN for the last 7 years and will be relocating to San Diego from Fort Worth texas in July. I am originally from San Diego and am now needing to move back. I dont have much of a support syetem in Texas and am currently enrolled at WCU dallas for my LVN to BSN and am struggling with much needed help with my daughter. By moving to SD, I will have alot of assistance with my daughter and will not have to pay much living expenses as we will be living with a friend. I plan on transfering to National University or WCU in LA. I am determined to complete by BSN. Anyways, my question is this, what is the job market in SD really like for an LVN and what is the pay? I currently make 25.00/hr. I am very nervous as I have not lived in San Diego since the recession and Ive heard the job market is horrible. Any info is very very appreaciated. Thank you!!!!!

[SuzieVN]

I haven't seen a job anywhere is SoCal that paid over $17/hour.

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

I haven't seen a job anywhere is SoCal that paid over $17/hour.

All my current and past jobs have paid over $17/hr. The lowest was $18/hr and I'm in Socal. I live and work throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area and have only been an LVN for 2 years, so none of that pay is due to experience.

[SuzieVN]

My last job in AZ paid $26.50. The difference in CA is shocking, since the cost of living is easily twice that of AZ. But, nurse wages have been eroding for several years. Like everone else's. Whay type work, Suishy?

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

My last job in AZ paid $26.50. The difference in CA is shocking since the cost of living is easily twice that of AZ. But, nurse wages have been eroding for several years. Like everone else's. Whay type work, Suishy?[/quote']

At 3 different SNFs I made $18, $20, and $22/hr respectively working per diem. When I was absorbed full-time at one of the facilities, they changed it to $23/hr, which was weird because don't per diems usually make more per hour because they don't get benefits? Anywho, I digress. I did a bit of per diem hospice work as well for $18/hr. None of those paid any differentials. I would work mixed shifts for the same pay. I recently started on a Med-Surg unit in an LTACH with a base pay of $20.50 and $1.50 night differential, so $22/hr.

EDIT: And yes, the wages are horrific relative to the cost of living. Lots of new grads from the numerous schools throughout the area willing to take low wages for experience drives wages down overall.