New Grad Endorsement

StephJanae · Sep 7, 2014

I also would like to know less expensive schools in Bakersfield, Ca. LPN TO RN BRIDGE

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2014

I used to live in Bakersfield. Rent in the Kern County area is in the $750 to $1,000 monthly range for a decent apartment, and more than that if you are looking to rent a house, condo or townhouse.

The process of attaining a California LVN license by endorsement will take several months because the California BVNPT still operates via snail mail. Nursing jobs are very hard to find in Kern County due to the glutted employment market.

LVNbayarea · Sep 8, 2014

First off, as an FYI; LPNs = LVNs in CA and TX.

To answer your questions: California is known for being one of the most difficult states to obtain nursing employment in. It's hard to say if you could obtain work here in less than 2 months, for all we know, you might get lucky and be offered a job at the first place you apply at. Also, the scope of practice in CA is much more limited than that of LA's. If you're curious, here's a link:

BVNPT - Laws and Regulations

Now, in regards to Kern County, is there any particular reason you're moving there? The reason I ask is because Bakersfield isn't particularly known for being any place special or exciting, plus, it's insanely HOT. It's not humid hot like LA is, more like being in an oven kind of hot. The main options of employment in that county include Dr's offices, LTC/SNF, home health, Corrections, PDN, and possibly school nursing. I'm nearly 99% certain that the hospitals don't utilize LVNs because of their limited scope of practice. The pay rates range anywhere from 18+ depending on what type of work you do. The only thing I can tell you about the schools in that county is GOOD LUCK; your options are either community college or the really expensive private school route. The community college route is tough because it's nearly impossible to get any of the classes you need.

Lastly, to second what TheCommuter said; The BVNPT is quite possibly the SLOWEST board of nursing in the country due to their outdated methods of handling licensee applications. When I received my license in 2013 it took 11, yes 11 months from first sending off the paperwork to the point of receiving my license card, and that was due to the background check because I had a red light infraction from when I was 18. For you I doubt it will take that long, probably more like 5-6 months depending on the time of year you send it in, unless you have any sort of traffic ticket or conviction, in which case be prepared to wait for what seems like forever!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 8, 2014

Now, in regards to Kern County, is there any particular reason you're moving there? The reason I ask is because Bakersfield isn't particularly known for being any place special or exciting, plus, it's insanely HOT.

I totally agree. Bakersfield has an ambiance similar to cities located 'down south' such as Oklahoma City or Little Rock, but with a major exception: I personally think Oklahoma City and Little Rock are a tad bit more cosmopolitan and interesting than Bakersfield.

SBJustBreathe, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2014

It's hot here in Bakersfield. But there are plenty of hospitals and plenty of RN jobs many starting over 30/hr. Wouldn't be a bad place to start off in CA.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2014

[quote=>JustBreathe

Remain cognizant that the OP is an LPN/LVN. California's LVN scope of practice is so very restrictive that most hospitals in Baketown stopped utilizing them several years ago. Since California LVNs are not allowed to start IVs or administer medications via IV push or IV piggyback due to the horribly restrictive scope of practice, hospital administration has stopped hiring them at most acute care facilities in CA.

The OP currently enjoys a wide open scope of practice as an LPN on the cardiac floor of an acute care hospital in Louisiana. Due to Louisiana's inclusive scope of practice, LPNs who practice in that state can do almost anything that RNs are allowed to do.

Interestingly, the OP also looked into relocating to Washington state as recently as a few months ago. It is as if this person is picking places on a map at random. (S)he should probably remain in Louisiana and accrue several years of experience to become marketable before making any moves out of state.

StephJanae · Sep 15, 2014

Interestingly, the OP also looked into relocating to Washington state as recently as a few months ago. It is as if this person is picking places on a map at random. (S)he should probably remain in Louisiana and accrue several years of experience to become marketable before making any moves out of state.

I'm from BAKERSFIELD. I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL IN LBC. I have Family in BOTH WA & CA.

That's why I've picked those places....

I'm moving to California in December. If I have to work as a Tech, I will until a LVN Position is available.

I have no problem with the limited scope, because I'm going back to school for RN in JAN. My End goal is MASTERS. I'm just Looking for stepping stones.

LPN in LA SCOPE DOES EVERYTHING A RN CAN EXCEPT pushes, initiate BLOOD & the INITIAL ASSESSMENT.

StephJanae · Sep 15, 2014

Thanks for the info :)

Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN · Sep 26, 2014

LVNs are allowed to start a peripheral iv line in CA, if iv certified of course. If IV certified, the LVN may start a peripheral IV line :) plus they can infuse blood and blood products to PIV.