Licensed Practical Nurses
(also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses)
Description OES Code: 325050
Care for ill, injured, convalescent, and handicapped persons in hospitals, clinics, private homes, sanitariums, and similar institutions.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $13.91
25th Percentile $14.86
50th Percentile $16.92
75th Percentile $20.19

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.82
25th Percentile $15.08
50th Percentile $16.54
75th Percentile $18.35

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

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.

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, California
Employment 1998 49,300
Projected Employment 2008 59,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 20.9%
Separations 1998-2008 11,700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 690
Projected Employment 2006 750
Percent Change 1999-2006 8.7%
Separations 1999-2006 110

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most hospitals are well lit, ventilated, and have good equipment. Conditions in some work areas may be crowded and noisy. 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.

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.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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 license must be renewed every two years. 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
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.

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 Assistants #508, Radiation Therapists #535

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)