LVN Salaries in Southern California

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ANY SO CAL LVN'S WILLING TO TALK SALARIES?

In the past I've been fortunate enough not to have to worry much about my salary, husband made good money; but now we're stuck with two mortgages and not enough $$$$. I need to make at least $25/hour.

I've been an LVN for over 20 years; started out in LTC, got frustrated with continual understaffing and when a nice group practice in my town needed a nurse, I applied and kind of fell into office nursing. Started out family practice and just ended 7 years of allergy nursing in OC last year. Moved out of state briefly; now back and looking for work. My previous doctor would hire me back but doesn't have opening. I was making $24/hr there. Have no idea how that compares with other office nurses (everyone else in the practice was MA) or rest of nursing jobs in OC. I've gotten interest from another allergist and get the feeling I was making good money where I was.

I've found most hospitals want RN's, even ones that want LVN's want previous hospital experience. Offices want MA's. I feel like us LVN's are getting squeezed out! Thinking about making a switch anyway....considering home health or even LTC again, but don't know what current salaries are. Ones I've seen posted seem low to me, but they're usually for entry level nurses....SO....HOW MUCH ARE YOU ALL MAKING OUT THERE?!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I completed my LVN program in Southern California in October 2005. Back then, the average starting pay for newly graduated LVNs in the greater Los Angeles area was $19 per hour, but I'm pretty assured this pay rate has increased in the 2.5 years since. In general, the hospitals tended to pay poorly, the clinics paid even worse, and the nursing homes and home health agencies paid very well.

Oops. . .I didn't realize you had many years of experience. :)

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Specializes in Everything!.

I just recently received my LVN license this June 2008. Ever since graduating December 2007 I received job offer from quite a few places spanning all over Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties. I was interested to know where would offer me the best benefits package/pay rate. The only real numbers I got were $30/hr+ for registry and $17to25/hr for LTC. My classmate that works for Riverside County Regional Medical Center is only making $13/hr! After years spent getting a "pre nursing" degree and 15 months of LVN school... Can you believe that?!

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I've seen where CNAs earn more than $13 an hour. Any LVN being paid that low (as well as $15 or $16 an hour) should energetically look for a new employer.

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Specializes in Everything!.
I've seen where CNAs earn more than $13 an hour. Any LVN being paid that low (as well as $15 or $16 an hour) should energetically look for a new employer.

She's said she's happy to work for RCRMC because of their 20/20 Program. I heard what she was getting paid and I thought "I want my RN badly but I have a husband and son to think about! $13 will barely cover the student loans taken out during LVN school!"

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The problem with low wages is that as long as one person is willing to fill a position for low pay, then the employer is encouraged to continue taking advantage of their employees. If these positions would go unfilled, it would eventually occur to the employer to raise their pay/benefit package. This is where nurses, or members of any other occupation, hurt themselves.

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im not really in southern california but by san francisco bay area northern california there LVN n RN's out this way get paid really good depending where you go for LVN's is $25 to $40 an hour and RN'S $45 and up

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Hey, that sounds good... maybe I should relocate!

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I think I'm going to get certified for IV therapy/blood draws. I've done quite a few venipunctures, but have never had formal training. I could get my former doctor to certify it for the board, but I think I'd like to take a class. And it looks like IV therapy is getting big and I'm going to become obsolete if I don't acquire that skill. Most courses combine the two so maybe I'll increase my marketability and salary?

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i live right here in the heart of orange county - Anaheim. and i can tell you that i worked at an alternative medical clinic at an entry level of $16/hr. i recently applied for registry ($20-23/hr), but have not received any offers since they only hire LVN's with previous hosp exp. i grad July 07 and am continuously looking for work. another company i work for (Home Health) pays $35/pt visit, not per hour. so it depends, where you look, what kind of job, and the timing.

Good Luck!

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which home health agency did you look at? i'm still waiting for my nclex results but i'm hoping for good news.. in the meantime i dont know how to even start searching for jobs! i also live in oc.. fountain valley.. please let me know! thanks

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Specializes in SNF, home health.

I work in home health, I'm the only nurse on this case so I do all the hours available for the month making $21hr. Get your phone book and look under home health or nursing and you'll find pages of agencies. Call and ask if they are hiring. That's how I got one of my jobs with another agency.

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