LVN Salaries in Southern California

Published

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?!

I'm a new grad and I got a job in a Nursing Home in Anaheim and my starting pay was good. Been there for 3 months now. I know a facility in Santa Ana that pay $25+ and they work 12hour shift ...

Specializes in LTC, hospice.

I am an LVN working at a SNF in Orange County and I make $21/hr. That was my start rate in 8/2007, when I first got my license. Heard that they are now hiring new grads at $23/hr. A girlfriend of mine that has a couple more years of experience than me is making almost $26/hr at a SNF, as an LVN.

Specializes in Day program consultant DD/MR.

I make $20.60 an hour but only 22.5 hours a week. I am looking into a sub-acute job opening in the area and the pay ranges from $15-$22 I would probably take a pay cut. But the job is 3 12's and time and a half after 8, not to mention I would get the experience to work for a registry.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Sub- acute, Hospice, Long -ter.

Hi, I worked for the LA Sheriff Department. I've been a LVN for 13 years. I currently make $25.00 a hour. I've been with the department now for 2 1/2 years. Now that's working on the dayshift. I don't know what's the starting salary for you. Check it out!

I am a new lvn and I got my license last jan 08. I'm currently working in home health (inland empire) and getting paid $15.50/hr 40+hrs a week. I took this job because I have every weekends and every holiday off with my family. I know its on the low end but I'm happy and stress free. and that's what matter the most. we only live once. enjoy life. plus it's close to my house, I save gas and help the environment by putting less pollution in the air. GO Green.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their rate of pay!

I just finished my first week at Bristol Park Medical Group. I took a cut in pay from the $24 I was making last summer with a private practice to $20.40 with BP. I tried to wheedle more out of them, but that's the top of the starting pay scale for someone with 8+ years of exp. But it's M-F, 40 hrs/wk, and has good benefits. Plus it's only a mile from my house. I plan to start walking to work.:wink2:

Hopefully I'll like it there. It's so different from any of my previous job experiences, I can't tell how it'll go. So many corporate policies and procedures! I spent the first two days reading 4" thick manuals and filling out scads of paperwork.:no:

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I REALLY need to relocate if that's the pay in CA. I've been a nurse almost 20 yrs, and the average starting salary is $16/hr in my area. They base the pay on how long you've been a nurse. I do know that NC pays more than GA, and have seriously thought about moving there.

I am from michigan and would like to know the difference between LVN and LPN? I am thinking about relocating to California and notice the nurses are called LVN. ( I know that it stands for Licenced Vocational Nurse) but what is the difference in education. Can you please enlighten me? thanks

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am from michigan and would like to know the difference between LVN and LPN? I am thinking about relocating to California and notice the nurses are called LVN. ( I know that it stands for Licenced Vocational Nurse) but what is the difference in education. Can you please enlighten me? thanks

There's no difference in educational attainment between the LVN and the LPN designation. In other words, they are the exact same type of nurse.

California and Texas refer to their basic nurses as LVNs (licensed vocational nurses), while the remaining 48 states refer to their basic nurses as LPNs (licensed practical nurses).

If an LPN in Michigan were to endorse his/her licensure in California, the title would automatically change to "LVN" as soon as he/she started working in CA.

Specializes in Alzheimers/Dementia.

To all of you thinking of relocating, especially to the bay area, LVN positions right now are pretty scarce!! Don't get me wrong, there is jobs, but MOST want experience! Plus 25+ an hour isn't even close enough money to live in the bay. Then if you don't live in the bay, you have to commute, and that is a NIGHTMARE!

Specializes in LTC.
To all of you thinking of relocating, especially to the bay area, LVN positions right now are pretty scarce!! Don't get me wrong, there is jobs, but MOST want experience! Plus 25+ an hour isn't even close enough money to live in the bay. Then if you don't live in the bay, you have to commute, and that is a NIGHTMARE!

Agreed. I moved out of state but still look at the LVN employment ads in the Bay Area (what few they have) and I am now seeing LTC facilities requiring 2-3 years experience. I spoke to one of my former classmates the other day that works on-call and her facility may even be closing. Granted, it is a very small facility but at least it provides her with work.

Having an IV cert may increase your pay. I have mine and it does not affect my salary one bit. I am still glad i got it because i can potentially move to another job that requires it. I have been told that lvn's do not generally use their IV cert but i believe the more certs the better for you to get a good job. I have also been looking into a lot of jobs here in southern California and jobs require an associates degree as an LVN. Might as well go for your Rn degree and make a bit more money. I currently am in home health in Riverside and i make 20$ but my pay has not been increased in years! It is a bad budget crisis right now and unfortunately health services, teaching and government jobs get cut.

+ Join the Discussion