Licensed Practical Nurses (aka: Licensed Vocational Nurses) Description OES Code: 325050 Care for ill, injured, convalescent, and handicapped persons in hospitals, clinics, private homes, sanitariums, and similar institutions. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $11.00 $7.00 – $16.00 New, experienced: $12.28 $7.00 – $17.74 3 yrs+ experience: $13.75 $8.50 – $20.10 LVN salaries depend on the size of the community, type of hospital, and the type of job. A salary of 10-15 percent more is paid for evening or night shift. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits LVNs generally work 40 hours a week, but since patients need 24-hour care, they may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Many patients need 24-hour care, so LVNs may work different shifts. Acute care hospitals and other health care agencies usually offer LVNs a 40-hour weekly schedule. Part-time work is also available. New employees often have to start on the evening or night shift. Most employers provide fringe benefits, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, and pension plans. Employment Trends Employment 1996 47,740 Projected Employment 2006 56,700 Growth Rate 1996-2006 18.8% Openings due to Separations 11,010 Employment Trends by California County Hospitals are under pressure to lower costs and are using LVNs in place of registered nurses. An increase in the aging population needing long term care is also causing a demand for more LVNs. Advancement LVNs who have a degree or diploma from an accredited school of professional nursing are eligible to apply for the exam to be licensed as registered nurses. Promotion to supervisory, administrative, clinical specialty, and other jobs in nursing is limited to those who get further education, training and experience. Getting the Job & Other Information LVNs should apply to employers or register with the California Employment Development Department or private employment agencies. Jobs may also be found through nursing associations. County, city, and federal civil service provide announcements of job openings. Many nursing jobs are advertised in newspapers and professional journals. Medical recruitment agencies, and personal referrals can also bring applicant and employer together. Many LVNs in California are members of the California Licensed Vocational Nurses Association, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, or are members of unions, such as the Service Employee's International Union. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training State law requires that LVNs be licensed under the provisions of the Vocational Nursing Practice Act, which is administered by the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, Department of Consumer Affairs. To qualify for a license an applicant must be at least 17 years old, have graduated from a state-approved school of vocational nursing, and pass the licensing exam. The exam is scheduled three times a day, six days a week at several locations throughout California. The Board Application fee is $50, and the license fee is $75. The license must be renewed every two years at a cost of $75. Licensed Vocational Nurses renewing their licenses must submit proof of 30 hours of continuing education during the previous two years. Rules have been established to ensure standards for continuing education. These standards provide for alternate forms of continuing education such as academic studies, in-service education, institutes, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, extension studies and home programs. Skills & Other Requirements Though not always, schools often require a personal interview, a physical exam, malpractice insurance, and personal references. All necessary items: uniforms, shoes, textbooks, a required watch, and insurance generally cost a student over $500. Vocational nursing programs must have at least 1,530 hours of study and practice for at least 46 weeks. The course includes classroom instruction, lab experience and patient care. Intravenous certification must be gotten after licensing. Nursing involves prolonged standing, a lot of walking, some lifting, bending, stooping and reaching. Lifting or turning patients can cause back strain. Other dangers include cuts from instruments, and exposure to infection and communicable diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. The pressure from working on a constant emergency basis can result in stress and tension. Dependability, good judgment, adaptability, stability, and an interest in people are important for success. LVNs must also be able to follow detailed instructions. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Licensed Vocational Nurse #313 Related Occupation: Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners #29, Physical Therapists #117, Nurse Aides/Nursing Assistants #442, Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants #451, Respiratory Therapists #454, Physician Assitants #508, Radiation Therapists #535 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.