LVN job opportunities

Mike DBD · Nov 2, 2014

It depends on where you live, honestly they are phasing out LVN/LPN in hospital setting somewhat. It`s more common to find LVN/LPN in schools,correction,doctor offices, home health. If you decide to enter this program, you could always bridge to an RN, but keep in mind ADN are also having a harder time in some areas of the USA as well. So looking towards a BSN is a good choice if you want to go further. Maybe adding your state could help other people out on how to answer, good luck.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

The OP is located in California, according to the tags on her post. We must remain mindful that California's new grad nurse unemployment rate is approximately 43 percent during the first year and a half after initial licensure.

Very few California LVNs are working in hospitals due to the extremely restrictive LVN scope of practice there. While other states allow LPNs/LVNs to administer narcotics, antibiotics and other high-risk medications via IV push or IV piggyback, the California BVNPT doesn't allow this.

Since virtually all hospital patients have IV lines and receive IV medications, hospital LVNs in CA need to hunt down an RN to administer the medication, which can be a pain in the behind when the RN is having to medicate all of your patients. To eliminate this problem, many California hospitals have resorted to hiring an all-RN staff.

Most LVN opportunities in CA will be in home health, private duty, SNF (nursing homes), group homes, hospice, clinics, psychiatric facilities, and jails. However, due to the severe glut of LVNs being produced by the 200+ LVN programs in the state, it is often taking many people more than a year to secure their first jobs.

future_nurse11 · Nov 2, 2014

Thank you both for your comments. Yes, I live in California. Southern California to be more specific. I'm still trying to figure out if going to this trade school (North-West College) would be in my best interest. I do eventually want to become an RN & get an ADN or BSN. But I need to get working soon because I feel like I don't have much job security with my current office job (the business isn't bringing in many customers so I fear being laid off might be in my near future.) So I need to get the ball rolling ASAP. I would go to a community college but I just don't have the patience to wait 2 or 3+ years to even be accepted into their program. So basically I'm trying to figure out if going to this trade school would be worth the investment. Oh, decisions. ?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

Community colleges are not the only option. There are affordable ROPs in southern CA that offer cheap LVN programs such as the North Valley ROP, Baldy View ROP, Downey Adult School, etc. A $30,000 LVN license is not worth it when you can obtain the same education for less than $10,000.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Nov 2, 2014

@RachaelSue Hi RachaelSue I am located in Southern California and in a pre vn class. The program is $3600 and no financial aid available. The program is competitive so you must score high on the entrance exam TABE test. The first 60 people who score high on the entrance exam will be invited to the pre vn class. You take a few quizzes and must pass class with a 80% or higher and those who make second cut, you are invited to the interview. I have an interview in two weeks. This program only accepts 14 students.

Their is also Downey adult school $11,000 and North Orange county ROP $4500 to name a few. My advice to you is explore all options even if that means you may have to commute.

ashleebaby02 · Nov 4, 2014

I work on a med surg floor in a hospital. My Supervisor told us we will no longer be hiring LPNs and that we need to obtain our RN license. The only other hospital/rehab facility nearby that hired LPNs just called them all into a room and let every single one of them go.