U.S.A. Texas
Published Jul 10, 2008
Mizzyfrufru, LPN
97 Posts
Hi everyone, I wanted to know if u guys thinks it's possible for an LPN to earn a good living down in Dallas. I am relocating after a messy divorce with 5 kids (his, mine,ours) and 2 dogs. my sister recently moved there and is in love. she said the cost of living is lower. i'm in VA currently. I need to break free. Where do LPN?LVN's work there. Thanks in advance. My x pays 2000.00 in child support.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
I'm an LVN who is originally from California, but I have been living in the DFW area since 2005. LVNs in the Dallas area can work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, jails, home health agencies, and so on. The hospitals tend to pay LVNs poorly, whereas many of the nursing homes pay competitively. With 2 years of experience, I earn $21 hourly at one nursing home, and $25 hourly at another (yes, I have 2 jobs).
Hospitals and clinics pay between $13 and $16 hourly to start, on average. Nursing homes in the area pay $18 to $23 per hour. Home health agencies usually pay between $20 and $30 per visit.
As for my lifestyle, I own a newer single family home in a popular part of town. My 2 vehicles are 2005 and 2006 models. Although I am single with no spouse or boyfriend to help out, I am definitely not hurting for cash.
TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN
1 Article; 1,715 Posts
I live a few hours south of Dallas and it's about the same in pay. As a brand new grad i made $20/hr for home health and when i got pregnant i worked in a clinic and was paid $15.50/hr. none of the hospitals here hire LVN"S in my area. I think with you child support you should be able to make a decent living. Also see if you qualify for government assistance just until you get on your feet!
I Know it cost me $275 and took 3 wks to get my texas permit to work. so keep that in mind when endorsing your license from VA to TX!
tasha
Thanks guys, i really appreciate your help. I'm scared to pieces. The cost of living in VA compared to my salary is just not helping me stay above water right now. I have to find another option. I want to do so before the kids go back to school too. Does anyone know how the VA hospital is in DAllas?
If you need money to live on, be aware that VA hospitals typically do not pay competitively. However, the benefits tend to be excellent since the VA is a government entity.