[turtle rain]

Hi Everyone,
I am currently an LPN student with the hope of graduating June of 09. I currently work in an unrelated field that pays well enough to cover my tuition and books. I want to gain practical experience and would love to work as an STNA (I am certified) but simply cannot afford to leave my higher paying job.

My question is will it be difficult for me to be hired as an LPN upon graduation?

[AntFlip7395]

Although the CNA experience would benefit you, it won't affect your ability to get hired as an LPN. Once you have your nursing license, you should have many job offers, excluding those that want actual nursing experience. Many places are willing to hire and train new grads. I don't see this as being an obstacle at all. Plus the benefit of working a job in which you have financial security far outweighs what you would gain for taking a pay cut as a CNA. You don't need the added stress of money woes on top of working and going to school. That's my anyway. Good luck and happy studying!

[bluegeegoo2]

I became a nurse after a long line of customer service and even body shop experience, and was hired by the first place I put an ap in, on the same day! I was told a lot of hiring managers just LOVE new nurses because they can train us without having pre-existing nursing behaviors to overcome. We're like a blank slate for them. I thought my hiring manager was going to pop she was so tickled to have me! So, no. I don't think you'll have a problem finding a job. All of the classmates I graduated with, and keep in contact with, had no problem getting a job either. Good luck out there!

[elkpark]

Everyone starts out with no nursing experience when they've just graduated -- facilitiles/employers are used to that, and it won't be a problem.

[agldragon]

Lots of LPN jobs here in Central NJ.

I am a new grad and today I went for an interview and was hired. This is my third job offer. I have been going to all these interviews and I always get the job. So now I am so confused which one to pick.

I cannot believe I have all this options as a new LPN even though I am a new grad and our economy is not doing so good.

They vary in pay and benefits so I am comparing the three job offers I got.

So, you don't have to give up your current job for the CNA position.

Good luck with school!

Angel

[turtle rain]

Thanks everyone! I was really getting concerned about my prospects I've been working so hard at this degree.
You guys are awesome

[TheCommuter]

Of course, it is prudent to keep in mind that LPN job prospects are dependent upon the area in which you live and work. Some cities and towns have tougher job markets and an oversupply of nurses, which makes finding a position harder. Other regions suffer from critical nursing shortages, which makes finding a job almost effortless.

[mpauley]

I live in NW Ohio and graduated in December 2007, got my LPN license and i have submitted applications to 10 different hospitals and nursing homes in the last month and have yet to get a call back on any of them!! everybody wants you to have at least 12 months experience, So much for the nursing shortage i heard about in school and how jobs were going to be easy to get!!

[turtle rain]

mpauley,
I live in Ohio as well and you are correct - the job market here for many professions does seem to be very tough. I hope things look better soon for all of us. I have my fingers crossed, it would be devastating to work so hard for this license and not be able to use it. Good luck and I hope you find something soon.

[happynewLPN]

I live in mid-Michigan and I am getting more offers than I can shake a stick at. It's amazing. I have three interviews and more in the wings. I'm working toward my RN degree, and I'll be finished with that in December of this year. I hope the good luck continues for that career path as well.