new grad LVN's

I <3 OR, RN · Jun 24, 2012

From what I have heard, here in LA/Orange County it has been difficult for many of my peers to find jobs after graduating. (I'm continuing with school for my RN so I haven't been job hunting) A lot of them got their jobs through someone they knew or through career services at our school but to be truthful a lot of the jobs they got through the school were for different kinds of clinics. But a job is a job right??!! And the career services are pretty serious about finding you a job because it looks good for the school the more graduates they help get employed. It's not impossible to find a job here but it takes more than just applying online all day!

Correct me if I am wrong but it seems you have not gone to nursing school yet. If that is the case, I would strongly suggest going right into RN school (if that is your ultimate goal). Just my two cents! Good luck in whatever you choose!

jennamedina · Jun 25, 2012

I know the job market is terrible here in the Bay Area too. I am going crazy working in the restaurant industry and I want to be in healthcare sooooo bad. I am still contemplating spending the money and time in LVN school. I have two more prereqs, then I can apply to the ADN program but there is a two year wait list. I am however, contemplating getting a CNA certificate. It only takes a month and costs very little. I won't make much money as a CNA but at least I will gain experience while finishing my degree.

I <3 OR, RN · Jun 28, 2012

Are there no other ADN programs without waitlists in your area?? If not another option in order to bypass the waitlist is to get your LVN license then apply to LVN-RN bridge program. Most of them do not have waitlists and a lot off the ADN programs offer this as an option just check out their websites. Just a thought!

jennamedina · Jun 28, 2012

Are there no other ADN programs without waitlists in your area?? If not another option in order to bypass the waitlist is to get your LVN license then apply to LVN-RN bridge program. Most of them do not have waitlists and a lot off the ADN programs offer this as an option just check out their websites. Just a thought!

that is exactly what I was going to do but I wanted to work as an LVN for a couple of years before I applied to a bridge program. If there are no jobs I would be better off just pursuing my ADN or BSN.

futurenurse310 · Jun 28, 2012

My plan was to work for a a year or two as an LVN before applying to an lvn to rn bridge so I would have money saved up plus experience. That unfortunately didnt happen. I received my lvn, but no work. Also, you cant just "bypass" the waitlist. It depends on the school so make sure to do some research. There are some hoops to jump through to get into each schools lvn to rn bridge. Some schools require a year of working experience, while some only require you to be an lvn graduate but you would have to take an extra class. You'll see what Im talking about if you go this route. Try to go straight for your RN if possible. I would not recommend getting an LVN in california to anyone, unless you for sure have a job set already. Either way, which ever route you choose, I wish you the best of luck :)

I <3 OR, RN · Jun 28, 2012

If that's what you were planning to do then go for it. That's what I am doing. When your in an LVN program I think after the 1stlibrary or 2nd term you can takr thr CNA exam and get your CNA license. I think it might be easier to get your foot in the door somewhere as a CNA then when you become a licensed VN you can move up in the company.

I <3 OR, RN · Jun 28, 2012

Also, you cant just "bypass" the waitlist. It depends on the school so make sure to do some research.

If the program does offer basic RN and LVN-RN you do not go on the waitlist for the basic RN program therefore you 'bypass' the waitlist. Some of those programs may have a waitlist for the LVN-RN program which is why I also said she needs to check out the websites. I also would not advise anyone on getting their LVN for the sole purpose of getting hired as an LVN in Cali but as a step up the ladder to becoming an RN.

futurenurse310 · Jun 28, 2012

If getting your LVN in cali from an adult program where the cost is less than 6k or less, then I probably would have gotten my LVN just as a step up to my RN. But for me, the main reason was to work as an LVN to save up money with an LVN salary(coming from retail salary), get experience as a nurse and to also use as a "step up" to my RN. Otherwise, getting your LVN is an $18,000+ step up.... Or in my case, $26,000 step up. I know some schools around here in Cali that go for $34k just for your LVN now.

If you can get into a cheap LEGIT program, like an adult school(make sure to check pass rates), then I would for sure say go for it. Otherwise if you're paying big money to get your LVN, pass.

Just my 2 cents. Everybody sees it a different way. Whatever might work for me, might not work for you and vice versa. =)

I <3 OR, RN · Jun 29, 2012

Yup that's what happened to me too! I was one of those fools who paid $30,000 just to find out there were no jobs. So I decided not to bother looking and just continuing my education.

jennamedina · Jun 30, 2012

Yup that's what happened to me too! I was one of those fools who paid $30,000 just to find out there were no jobs. So I decided not to bother looking and just continuing my education.

thanks everyone. I have decided to keep working on getting my RN and will probably do the CNA program once I am on the RN program waitlist. CNA's don't make much, but I really want to get my feet wet. I have no healthcare experience at all.