Is the licensed practical nurse similar to a licensed vocational nurse? Is the LVN salary better than the LPN wage? Technically, LPNs and LVNs are the same. They perform similar functions and are employed in the same places. And generally, the training they receive is no different. But while most states refer to them as LPN, California and Texas call them LVN.
What's in a name, you ask? Quite a bit, it seems. Primarily because of where you live and use your skills. In forums, practical nurses based in other states share they are studying to become an RN to earn a higher rate from what they are making now only to be laughed at by LVNs in Texas, who claim they are already earning more in their current job.
The Texas situation
Generally, nursing aides in California and Texas earn higher wages than LPNs in most states, except for areas where salaries in the healthcare industry are really competitive like New York, Washington and Florida.
Between these two states, those who have completed their LVN programs in Texas appear to be more content with what they make especially in the growing cities of San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin. For 2010, the LVN salary range in these areas are:
If you have a specialty, working in ICU, ER and OR, you can even be making an hourly rate of $30. That there is no state income tax makes it even more attractive to think of working in Texas, although you must survey the potential areas where you can get work because there are localities that do not pay as competitively due to an oversupply of LVNs relative to the population.
For the less experienced LVNs in Texas, you can expect an LVN salary of $37,440; one with average experience makes $41,600 and the more experienced earn $47,840.
For 12 to 15 months of training at any accredited LVN schools, this career is rewarding enough unless you plan on advancing to other medical or health care positions that pay more. The California experience
The LVN salary in California is the higher relative to Texas. In Los Angeles, LVNs make between $17.60 and $22.85 per hour; employment in San Diego can net you an hourly rate of $17.87 to $23.07. The median salary is in anywhere from $36,710 to $51,523 per year, compared to $29,534 to $43,882 in the Lone Star state. The reason for this discrepancy is likely the higher cost of living in California.
But many LVNs in California are complaining in spite the competitive compensation for this occupation. The opportunities, they say, are getting scarce and the pay has tended to stagnate. Most employment is in nursing homes, while hospital work is decreasing. Moreover, LVNs lament their welfare is not being protected by state laws.
Licensed practical nurses looking for better opportunities may consider relocating to these states. And the license is the least of your problems because you take the same certification exam anyway, that is recognized everywhere.
You'll just be called an LVN instead of an LPN. Or you can simply stay put, continue your practice and advance to supervisory positions, teaching positions or eventually work your way to other better-paying healthcare jobs. The LVN salary matters, but if you can love the job along with it, your sense of satisfaction will be far greater in the long run.
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