Thinking of LVN school

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I'm wanting to become a LVN. I'll be taking a accelerated 13 moth courses And I'm curious what kind of math you have to do. Math has always been a challenge for me. But I want to become a nurse badly !!

Also after graduating what kind of jobs are new LVNs most likely do get?? Thank you in advance!!

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

I assume you are in California or Texas due to your use of the 'LVN' title, since the other 48 states refer to basic nurses as LPNs.

If you are in Texas, you can work in acute care hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, hospices, jails, prisons, doctors offices, home health, private duty, group homes, psychiatric facilities, addictions, and most areas of nursing.

If you are in California, you will be limited mostly to nursing homes, home health, private duty, and clinics. In addition, the new grad LVN unemployment rate in California is staggering because it is one of the states where a person can become an LVN without attending school.

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Thank you.. I got told that by a few people. And they told me to consider medical assisting.. Do you think medical assisting is a good stepping stone into the medical field ?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Thank you.. I got told that by a few people. And they told me to consider medical assisting.. Do you think medical assisting is a good stepping stone into the medical field ?
No. Medical assisting does not pay much money. It is also the most graduated vocational program in America, which means that masses of MAs are churned into local job markets every year.

I completed a medical assisting program 15 years ago and never found a job that paid a living wage. However, I've always been able to find work with my LVN and RN licensure.

Medical assisting is part of the medical model of care provision, whereas nursing is part of the nursing model. If you want to be a nurse, the MA program will not help you reach that goal. A good, cheap stepping stone into healthcare is the CNA certification (certified nursing assistant).

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Ok thank you so much! I am in California by the way.. Would you happen to know how much new LVNs start out with pay? And how long after can you work in hospitals of you wish to do so ?

Can CNAs work in hospitals ? How much do new CNAs earn ? I'm so sorry for all these questions. You've been so helpful!! Though thank you so much!! I appreciate it!! You have no idea!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Ok thank you so much! I am in California by the way.. Would you happen to know how much new LVNs start out with pay? And how long after can you work in hospitals of you wish to do so ?
It depends on where you are in CA. Wages have deflated in recent years, so the starting pay can be anywhere from $15 to $25 as a new grad. Due to the restrictive scope of practice in CA, it is unlikely you'll find a hospital job as an LVN there. It is possible, but very unlikely.

Can CNAs work in hospitals ? How much do new CNAs earn ?
Yes, CNAs can work in hospitals. Again, the pay depends on the part of CA, and pay rates have been dropping in recent years. Most CNAs earn between $10 and $20 hourly. As a new grad you'll likely earn on the lower end of that scale.

Unfortunately, one facility in Long Beach was offering $8.50/hourly as recently as last year. They offered the lowball rate because they could.

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