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Practical Nursing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trinityhealth

$30.50 - $41.50/hr

Graduate of an accredited or state approved school of practical nursing * Licensure as a LPN in the State of Illinois * A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in acute care setting; home care ...

Trinity Health

$30.50 - $41.50/hr

Graduate of an accredited or state approved school of practical nursing * Licensure as a LPN in the State of Illinois * A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in acute care setting; home care ...

Mercy

$30/hr

Utilizes the nursing process to provide patient care under the supervision of person(s) licensed by a State regulatory board to prescribe medication and treatment, or under the direction of a ...

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$15

$29

$43

How much do practical nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for practical nursing in California is $29.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a practical nurse?

Practical nurses, also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), are healthcare professionals who provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or physicians. They assist with tasks such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, helping patients with daily activities, and providing basic medical care. Practical nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private homes. Their role is essential in supporting patient care and ensuring comfort and safety for those in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a practical nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Practical Nurse, you need a diploma or certificate in practical nursing, a valid LPN/LVN license, and a solid grasp of basic patient care and medical procedures. Competence with electronic health records (EHRs), vital sign monitors, and medication administration systems is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building patient trust and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centered care in clinical settings.

What are some common challenges practical nurses face when balancing patient care with administrative duties?

Practical nurses often juggle direct patient care, such as monitoring vitals and administering medications, with necessary administrative tasks like updating patient records and coordinating with physicians. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during busy shifts or when handling multiple patients with diverse needs. Time management, prioritization skills, and effective communication with the healthcare team help practical nurses manage these demands while ensuring quality patient care remains the priority.

What is the difference between Practical Nursing vs Licensed Vocational Nursing?

AspectPractical NursingLicensed Vocational Nursing
CredentialsLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licenseLicensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes
Industry UsageCommon in the US, Canada, and some statesPrimarily used in California and Texas
Job ResponsibilitiesBasic patient care, administering medications, monitoring healthSimilar duties, often with slight regional terminology differences

Practical Nursing and Licensed Vocational Nursing are essentially the same roles with regional terminology differences. Both require similar credentials, work in comparable environments, and perform similar patient care duties. The main distinction lies in the terminology used in different states or regions.

What can I do with a practical nursing degree?

A practical nursing degree qualifies individuals to work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), providing basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. LPNs typically work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings, performing tasks such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities. The role requires passing the NCLEX-PN exam and maintaining licensure.

What do you do as a practical nurse?

A practical nurse provides basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. They monitor vital signs, assist with daily activities, administer medications, and maintain patient comfort in settings such as clinics, nursing homes, or hospitals. Practical nurses typically need a state-approved training program and certification to practice.

What are popular job titles related to Practical Nursing jobs in California?

For Practical Nursing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Practical Nursing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Practical Nursing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Practical Nursing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Practical Nursing job openings:

Practical Nursing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Practical Nursing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,326 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse (LPN / LVN)

Ansible Government Solutions

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is currently seeking Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) to support operations within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Selected LPNs could be called upon to work in an Acute Care Facility or Community Living Center. The following facilities are supported:
  • Primarily: Menlo Park VA Medical Center, Community Living Center, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
  • Palo Alto VA Medical Center, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Federal customers with solutions in many arenas. Our customers face wide-ranging challenges in the fields of national security, health care, and information technology. To address these challenges, we employ intelligent and committed staff who take care of our customers' success as if it is their own.
Responsibilities
  • Provide practical nursing care to geriatric patients in Community Living Centers.
  • Support RNs and interdisciplinary staff in care delivery.
  • Perform LPN-level clinical tasks appropriate to licensure and competency.
  • Monitor patients and report changes in condition promptly.
  • Maintain hygiene, safety, and comfort of patients.
  • Document care and observations accurately using VA systems.
  • Follow facility rules, clinical guidelines, and infection control procedures.
  • Participate in daily workflow including sign-in/out and timesheet validation.
  • Use VA-provided equipment and maintain safe environments.

Qualifications
  • Possesses a valid, current license (with no limitations, stipulations, or pending adverse actions) to practice nursing as an LPN or LVN and be licensed to practice in the state of California; all licenses must be unencumbered and remain in effect during the time they are providing services under the contract
  • Minimum of two (2) years of recent LPN experience (LTC/skilled nursing/Rehab/post-acute/med-surg/inpatient preferred)
  • Is capable of providing nursing care for adult medical and surgical patients
  • Has and maintains current AHA BLS certification
  • No sponsorship available

All candidates must be able to:
  • Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift
  • Lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist
  • Lift up to 20 lbs
  • Carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs of force

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Apply