Published Feb 11, 2014
Live_Life
11 Posts
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
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
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
3 Posts
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
132 Posts
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
667 Posts
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
1,696 Posts
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
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.