Is anyone in California living alone on an LVN salary?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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This may be a long shot but does anyone who is a licensed vocational nurse in California make enough to live on their own? If so how much do you make hourly and where do you live? I’m trying to get into an RN program but if it doesn’t work and I get in to an lvn instead I would wanna know if its enough to live on my own. Thanks

I had a friend in Sacramento that lived on his own. But I think he was definitely working overtime there. I think the further in land one goes it might also be possible.

I've also heard of Californians moving up to WA state. It's definitely doable there.

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On 3/16/2021 at 4:56 PM, Sandyleesand said:

This may be a long shot but does anyone who is a licensed vocational nurse in California make enough to live on their own? If so how much do you make hourly and where do you live? I’m trying to get into an RN program but if it doesn’t work and I get in to an lvn instead I would wanna know if its enough to live on my own. Thanks

I did, I made 70k as a new grad LVN?‍? in socal Los Angeles area my first year. I made enough to save and live comfortably I lived in DTLA too. Right by the Whole Foods on 8th and grand.

a nursing license can take you pretty far in California. We pay nurses the highest salaries across the country. 

my apartment was pretty nice, I paid about 1500 a month. Plus $180 to park my car monthly. High COL but you can pretty much afford it as an LVN if you find a higher paying job. I worked as a LVN case manager mon-Friday 9-5, with employer paid healthcare insurance and other amazing benefits. 
 

keep in mind I went to a public LVN program in California of which I didn’t pay for. It was free with the wiao program, so I don’t have student loans just a car note. So my checks went further to be able to live alone. 

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Hi, I am an LVN single mom been living alone with kids for about more then 10years I am currently renting a home 3 bedroom 2 bathroom. It is doable but you might want to see where its cheaper to live obviously .. I am from Central Valley and rent is cheaper. As an LVN you can work as a registry or have a full time 12 hour  job work  3 days and go to school. It's all about organizing your time and seeing what works .Wish you the best of luck !!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 3/16/2021 at 4:56 PM, Sandyleesand said:

This may be a long shot but does anyone who is a licensed vocational nurse in California make enough to live on their own? If so how much do you make hourly and where do you live? I’m trying to get into an RN program but if it doesn’t work and I get in to an lvn instead I would wanna know if its enough to live on my own. Thanks

Alot would depend on what part of California you live in. It is the third largest state in the union and COL while generally high has a lot of variation by local. you expected standard of living would also be a factor. In some areas such as San Francisco Bay area new grad RNs struggle to make ends meet. If you are willing to move around you should beable to find something possibly with a roomate.

Hppy

 

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Specializes in CNA.

If you have CNA license you can work registry and make good money. I worked 1 year (10 months Acute care and 2 months LTC) and got in with a great registry/travel agency. I live in So Cal, currently making 30+ an hour as a CNA, working 36+hrs/week as per Diem until I start LVN school. I’ll work 2 days or deliver with Uber eats Or work one day LTC or suck it up an pull an overnight 12 during the week. You can survive. Work smart ? 

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Try califonia state prisons..LVNs make an average of 60,000 with lots of opportunitis to do Voluntary over time. 

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