LVN job opportunities in Southern CA

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2008

I'm originally from Southern CA, and attended an LVN program in the greater Los Angeles area (San Fernando Valley) back in 2004 and 2005. The job market in Southern CA is heavily saturated with LVNs, because there's an abundance of private trade school nursing programs that churn hundreds of new nurses into the workforce every 3 months. The surplus of LVNs in the Southern CA job market is one of my reasons for moving out of the state immediately after graduation.

Too many LVNs in the local market usually equates to a slightly tougher time finding the position of your choice. Your best bet is applying at every nursing home located within a 25 mile radius of your home. In addition, you're more likely to be hired if you apply for these jobs in person, as opposed to emailing the resume. Good luck to you!

MusicNurseCarrlee, LPN, LVN · Jul 13, 2008

There are several Country Villa facilities in the LA area that hire new grads and allow the development and use of many nursing skills. The CA Department of Corrections is always recruiting statewide. If you are looking for less stressful work there are some nice assisted living facilities such as Sunrise and Belmont Village in the area. After you have gained some experience, there is an abundance of per diem agency work for LVNs in hospitals, long term care, pediatrics, MR/DD services, schools, day programs, clinics, etc. Consider different work settings, post a resume on CalJobs(employers will contact you) and walk-in and ask about available positions as many facilities don't advertise vacancies.

Wish you the best of luck in your search.

SoCalHeart · Jul 13, 2008

I agree with the last poster who mentioned the CA Dept. of Corrections. I have family that worked for the CDC as medical staff and if you are willing to tackle the prison system it can be a great job. Benefits are good, plus retirement and pay, but some of the locations mean you're living in areas you may not have chosen in another situation and of course working with the prison population isn't something everyone enjoys. But still, even though the prison population may not be the best bunch of people, they still need quality medical care from competant professionals.

You can check out the CA state website and look under employment tab to see what's available. Also look into VA hospitals and such on the CA website. Or try USAjobs.com, I have found several postings for LVN positions ranging from hospitals/clinics on military bases, to VA again. Good luck with your search!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2008

LTC, but try to get into a sub-acute unit if they hire LVN's....I worked in a sub-acute unit where they did have LVN's, but I've done a clinical rotation in a sub-acute unit that only had RN's....so it varies....that's if you have to go through the LTC route....but who cares if they require experience, still apply if there is a hospital position that interests you...Do it, apply if you don't get hired hey it didn't hurt you....but you never know....they might hire you!...Good Luck!

Ethan'sLVNAuntie · Nov 3, 2009

Hello,

Can I ask which state you moved to and were able to find a good LVN job. I went to school and still live in southern california am having a difficult time finding a job like you were. Thanks so much.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2009

Hello,
Can I ask which state you moved to and were able to find a good LVN job. I went to school and still live in southern california am having a difficult time finding a job like you were. Thanks so much.

I moved to Texas, more specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

chris1969 · Jun 7, 2010

I just started LVN school and find this to be frustrating. I have found dozens and dozens of LVN positions on indeed.com and also craigs list. I live in Fountain Valley, CA. I'm surprised you are having a tough time landing a job.

I wish you the best.