How bad is the job market for a LVN/LPN in California

[Live_Life]

I heard that from 2004 to 2014, many schools in California opened up to train people to become LVNs/LPNs. I read the statistics and there are three times more LVN/LPN schools today in California since 2004.

I feel the effect today. I applied for many open LVN/LPN positions and there has been zero callbacks for an interview. Back in 2006-2007, it was quite easy for me to find a job within a month and to get interviews.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The LVN employment market is horrid in most parts of California. After earning my LVN license nearly 10 years ago, I left the state because I could see the writing on the wall.

[CutterMAXIM]

Where have you applied? What are you looking to do as an LVN? That can make a difference. There are more opportunities than just hospitals and LTC facilities. Home healthcare, travel nursing, clinics, etc are other options to look at

[BellaRose4281, RN]

It's hard in CA. That's what I hear all the time and it makes me nervous. I'm graduating in June and I'm terrified that I won't find a job. But I've talked to some recent grads who have found jobs. It's hard, but not impossible.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Fairly bad. I was a LVN before the recession. I got two full-time positions fairly easily through connections but the job market tightened up severely during and after the recession. I precepted new employees in my home health company and they were unanimous in their message: The job market SUCKS and they had nowhere else to go. I even trained a few new grad RNs who accepted LVN pay just so they could earn something, anything. Some LVNs also had to supplement with non-nursing jobs which, considering how low the LVN pay can be, was a very smart move.

I hope you find a position soon! Best wishes!

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

I'm in CA and I plan on going to an adult school for a LVN program. I currently work at pyschiatric rehab hospital and they hire new grads. Look into mental health. I've heard the market is fairly medicore. I believe its all about *networking* during school time. Also who you know may help. Look into nurse conferences, health fairs, offer to do mission work..create opportunties.(Give and you shall receive) Start to telling/emailing your friends/family you're looking for a job and have a resume. Try to get nurse recruiters email address. Attend information meetings. Etc Off subject but may be valuable for some. My mom is a RN and work at home as a case manager/utilization review nurse. She said majority of her coworkers are LVN who also work at home even her own boss is a LVN. I asked my mom to start teaching me case management/ utilization review so I can try to apply to her company in the future. You can be a new grad LVN but u must know case management. So like others have said, there are other places to work besides hospitals and LTC homes. One of my mom collegues is a LVN manager for an insurance company and she is in CA and makes 90K a year. Best of luck to all new Lnv's

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

I also met a LVN in orange county, CA who was a former ventilization specialist/trach and now management for a home health agency and makes pretty good money. She also said that new grads should look into "specializing" in something for more opportunities.