[midcom]

I am a new LPN grad who wants to work in a clinic but after every interview, I learn that they offered the position to a nurse with experience. I'm getting very frustrated. I won't ask how to get experience when I can't get hired but since you already have a clinic job, maybe you can suggest some ways of getting experience. Would working in LTC help at all? I'm at a loss for what to do.
I am a mature graduate & have had lots of life experience, I was the top student in my class, learn quickly, I have a great letter of recommendation, wonderful references, am personable, have excellent communication skills, and get along with everyone. I would be an assest to any practice that would give me a chance, if only I could get that chance.
Dixie

[blueberrybon]

Well, by this time I would almost be willing to bet you are working somewhere. Am I right?

Let us know where you landed a job, and how you like it.

Blue

[midcom]

Originally Posted by blueberrybon

Well, by this time I would almost be willing to bet you are working somewhere. Am I right?

Let us know where you landed a job, and how you like it.

Blue

I only wish that were true but, nope no job yet. I have had some very good interviews; one went to a second interview & she led me to believe the job would be offered to me, however, that wasn't the case. Last week I had another good interview at a very large clinic. I asked if they ever offered jobs to inexperienced nurses & she told me that until recently she felt all nurses needed hospital experience & didn't hire any without it but now does. I hope this will be one of those times although she did tell me that she was interviewing several candidates.

Perhaps it's for the best that I haven't found anything yet. A month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I've since had a mastectomy and fortunately it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes so probably won't need further treatment besides Tamoxifen. I got the call from the above clinic as I was checking out of the hospital. I interviewed a week after my surgery & didn't tell her. My surgeon said not to tell & also that she felt I would be in shape to work well before they would be ready to start me.

Dixie

[traumaRUs]

I'm sorry about your news Dixie. but glad your lymph nodes were negative. Please take care of yourself.

[blueberrybon]

Wow, what an ordeal! You are a cup half full type of person aren't you. They say that your type of personality is the kind that can get through the tough diagnosis' more successfully than the cup half empty sort.

You say the inability to land a job thus far must have been for the best. That is a cup half full mentality. Another person would have said; "First I can't find a job, now this! What's next?" But you are choosing to take what comes along as it comes and go on from there.

I may not be thinking of all the angles, but I think the prospective employer should know your situation so as to see the type of person you are, which sounds to me like the kind of positive personality that anyone would benefit being around, co-worker and patient alike. Not to mention that you will have first hand experience in a medical diagnosis and treatment that you can personally share with patients if you so choose.

All my best to you. I pray you will not only find the right job, but be well and happy in it for many, many years to come.

Blue

[midcom]

Originally Posted by blueberrybon

Wow, what an ordeal! You are a cup half full type of person aren't you. They say that your type of personality is the kind that can get through the tough diagnosis' more successfully than the cup half empty sort.

You say the inability to land a job thus far must have been for the best. That is a cup half full mentality. Another person would have said; "First I can't find a job, now this! What's next?" But you are choosing to take what comes along as it comes and go on from there.

I may not be thinking of all the angles, but I think the prospective employer should know your situation so as to see the type of person you are, which sounds to me like the kind of positive personality that anyone would benefit being around, co-worker and patient alike. Not to mention that you will have first hand experience in a medical diagnosis and treatment that you can personally share with patients if you so choose.

All my best to you. I pray you will not only find the right job, but be well and happy in it for many, many years to come.

Blue

Thank you, that was such a nice thing to say, that I'm a cup half full type of person.

The reason I decided to not tell is because I felt that they would automatically think I'd be a liability, that I'd not be able to work as well or as hard as someone who has not recently had surgery. And to be honest, since I still have to see an oncologist, I may be a liability afterall. However, when asked at my interview what I could bring to them, I stressed that I know what patients are experiencing because I have or are experiencing the same things. I went on to point out several things I have been through, even mentioning a couple cancer scares (these were earlier) I just didn't mention that I had BC. I hope she would see that I would be an asset.

Thank you for your good wishes. I will definitely post WHEN (not if) I get hired.
Dixie

[midcom]

YES!!!!!!! It happened. I was hired today! The job isn't be best. I'm sure some of you will be rolling your eyes at it but I look at it as a real good opportunity for learning.
I will be working at a large clinic in a neighboring town, every other weekend (urgent care type work) and 2 days a week floating amongst the various doctors, filling in for nurses on their days off. This is a large clinic with mostly family practice doctors but also a podiatrist, an OB/GYN, a gastroenterologist, and a pediatrician.

I'll be orientated with the family practice doctors first & then the specialists. Finally, I'll start working the weekend hours.

This group is not new to me. This was where I went as a child & one of the doctors actually delivered my youngest son, 30 years ago. It's kind of a unique group; all the doctors working there are very devout Christians. I was told that the atmosphere is different from most clinics. The doctors are not prima donnas(actually share offices) & are very patient with their employees.

I go for my drug test tomorrow and orientation at the hospital that the clinic is associated with on Monday. Oh, and they now know about my breast cancer & they are OK with it.

Thanks all for your encouragement. I am so thrilled!
Dixie

[blueberrybon]

Let us do the online dance of joy!

Keep us informed please. Urgent care will probably be interesting. And of course once you have your perverbial foot in the door, you'll land a more steady schedule if you end up wanting one.

Have a great time orienting!!!

Blue

[tnbutterfly]

Dixie!!!!