Job Market for male LPN's?

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Hi Friends,

I'm a middle aged male in Fla, considering an LPN program that would take 12 mths to complete (then state boards). I'm not sure how good the market is as i've just started the "research" phase. I enjoy working with people and help professions. I also like the idea of being in a field where demand will continue to grow. NOT sure about pursing a RN (at this point, ...just want to take things 1 steps at a time.

My question(s) are

  1. -Where (what state) is the greatest demand for LPN's (and why)?
  2. -Bout how much $ do you start at?
  3. -Best settings to work in as LPN?
  4. -Is PT work "commonly" available ?

Thanks for your input...!

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU; CV Nursing; Medical Surg; Psychiatric.

Currently I'm working as an LVN at an outpatient mental health clinic in the state of CA. I'm both an LVN and BSN but I'm job hunting for the next step. The greatest demand for LVNs in my area are in the typical skilled nursing facilities, home health, prisons, outpatient clinics, mAybe urgent care, hospice, and psych facilities. My first job was an inpatient pysch /geriatric psych place. I eventually left and got into a n outpatient mental health clinic. I still work per diem at the psych facility.

I started at $21/hour as an LVn 2008, and now I'm up to $27/hr as an lvn and now $38 as a BSN.

At my full-time outpatient MH clinic in making $30/hr.

The best place to work at is a facility where the culture is great and always teaching. The next best is to work for a large organization with a strong union and tons of resources.

There's always tons of part time and let diem jobs locally to fill your pockets.

See if you. an find out if your market is saturated with LVNs such as lots of school pumping out LVNs. Good luck and it's worth it.

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Currently I'm working as an LVN at an outpatient mental health clinic in the state of CA. I'm both an LVN and BSN but I'm job hunting for the next step. The greatest demand for LVNs in my area are in the typical skilled nursing facilities, home health, prisons, outpatient clinics, mAybe urgent care, hospice, and psych facilities. My first job was an inpatient pysch /geriatric psych place. I eventually left and got into a n outpatient mental health clinic. I still work per diem at the psych facility.

I started at $21/hour as an LVn 2008, and now I'm up to $27/hr as an lvn and now $38 as a BSN.

At my full-time outpatient MH clinic in making $30/hr.

The best place to work at is a facility where the culture is great and always teaching. The next best is to work for a large organization with a strong union and tons of resources.

There's always tons of part time and let diem jobs locally to fill your pockets.

See if you. an find out if your market is saturated with LVNs such as lots of school pumping out LVNs. Good luck and it's worth it.

Thanks Stockton,..

Not sure what the actual demand is for LVN's in my area of Florida is (they call them LPN's here). Problem is...there are many head-hunting agencies advertising and its difficult to gauge it.


  • Did you just be BSN while working as LVN?
  • If so...how long did it take to get the BSN?
  • Any ideas on how to gauge the LPN Market? (i know its area specific)

~T

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU; CV Nursing; Medical Surg; Psychiatric.

I worked full-time while going to school fulltime. I completed my lvn-bsn program at the University of Phoenix. We had class once a week or more and clinicals on the weekend. My BSN took 3 years to complete cause my prereqs were too old and we there was a lot of content. The best way to gauge the LVN market would be to speak to a local LVN and get their insight about the current job market. If not then go to job sites such indeed.com or even Craigslist to see. No matters you'll be fine cause there's always jobs in heathcare.

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I worked full-time while going to school fulltime. I completed my lvn-bsn program at the University of Phoenix. We had class once a week or more and clinicals on the weekend. My BSN took 3 years to complete cause my prereqs were too old and we there was a lot of content. The best way to gauge the LVN market would be to speak to a local LVN and get their insight about the current job market. If not then go to job sites such indeed.com or even Craigslist to see. No matters you'll be fine cause there's always jobs in heathcare.

Hey Stockton,

I'm not sure, but what have you heard about working for the state (at the prisons)? I guess that would be a state job (with a nice benefit package)? Not sure how tough that would be to get that job? Probably limited, now that i think about.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU; CV Nursing; Medical Surg; Psychiatric.
Hey Stockton,

I'm not sure, but what have you heard about working for the state (at the prisons)? I guess that would be a state job (with a nice benefit package)? Not sure how tough that would be to get that job? Probably limited, now that i think about.

A state job such as being a state prison nurse has its pros and cons. As a male you may have more of an advantage at being hired. Around here, the state prisons have many gates to pass through till you get to your station, and then I hear they have mandatory overtime. Going through many gates reminds me that you can't go down the street to get lunch, and forget about going back to your car to get something that you forgot. Plus you can't have your cellphone on you. Mandatory overtime sucks unless you want that money. You gotta earn the respect of the prisoners so that's another aspect. You are at risk for riots and being attacked. I know a coworker that was "gassed" or had brewing body fluids thrown at her face and it scalded her and left her scarred physically and emotionally. Go to the specialty forum related to prison nursing to get more insight. The jobs are out there but it can depend if you want to commute or not. The closer the better.

State jobs typically have descent benefits. You may or may not have to pay out of pocket for health insurance. Most likely there will be a pension and 401k system. That can make it work it.

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Specializes in EMS, LTC, Sub-acute Rehab.

1.-Where (what state) is the greatest demand for LPN's (and why)?

Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio are the top states for LPN employment. Reasons are numerous e.g. large retirement populations, scopes of practice allow LPN to perform many tasks reserved for RNs in other states making it cheaper for employers, and state funded health programs e.g. department of health, schools, and prisons.

2.-Bout how much $ do you start at?

Here in the Northwestern Panhandle of FLA, starting pay at 0 years experience averages $16.00 per hour for home health, school nurse, and ltc.

3.-Best settings to work in as LPN?

At 0 years experience opportunities are limited to employer requirements. Typically long term care, prisons and school nurse are the settings. Since this a subjective question, it kind of depends on what your goals are. Personally, I think LTC would be the best place to start because you gain extensive experience with multiple co-morbities, time management, and medications.

4.-Is PT work "commonly" available ?

Yes, PT and PRN jobs are common but they typically want you to have some experience before taking on these roles.

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