Help me please. I'm begging you all.

[Ayeloflo]

Hello everybody.

After the hard journey to graduate from LVN school, I finally took my board exam and passed in April 2009. I already have 3yrs CNA experience.

I am in Los Angeles, California and I just can't find a job in any LTC facility or any other place. I'm so sad. I have a family to feed. Somebody please help me anyway you can. I'm also worried that I might start to forget many things that I have learned if I don't. I want to work so bad. Any shift is fine. I want o work as a nurse. Please help. Thanks in advance.

[lvnhopeful]

Hello Ayeloflo, sorry you are having such a difficult time finding work:cry: There are several things to consider about your post.

First, how many applications have you filled out and returned to different facilities? Just asking around doesn't cut it. If you are really in need, go around to ALL the facilities in the area and put in applications whether they have job openings posted or not. Sometimes you can fall into a job just by being there when they need you.

Second, maybe you will have to go outside your comfort zone and travel a little further for work. The inland areas seem to offer more opportunities for work than the big cities.

Third, have you considered maybe working for one of the armed services as a nurse? You can access Army/Navy/Airforce online and see what they have to offer.

Right now, before flu season, there are companies recruiting for nurses to give flu shots. You travel to local shopping centers and malls near where you live. Some of the ads I've seen say they train new grads.

California prisons may be another way to go, though the process is slow. You can start applying online now and if nothing else comes up you may have that to fall back on.:typing

How does your resume and cover letter look? Maybe going to the Employment Development Dept. may help with that and with interview skills. We can all use a little polishing from time to time:up:

I hope this information helps a little. In California's central valley, there seems to be no problem finding work here. Every place I applied at this last year called me in for an interview and I had many chances of getting hired. Just no work in a hospital setting. Maybe you need to relocate if the above ideas are of no help.

[Syobe77]

I live in San Fernando Valley and for weeks now sometimes I've been making 50 calls including follow ups plus check in the internet for openings. And with in that, maybe I will get one place that have an opening. Then when I tell them that I am a new graduate my chances gets slimmer. I even tell them that I have 7 yrs experience in an assisted living facility. They say it doesnt matter.

[NurseKitten, MSN, RN]

Have you considered doing volunteer work through the school system or a faith-based organization? Hospice? Anything to get some experience while you're waiting to find something that will pay. (And often, volunteer experiences can turn into something permanent!)

Have you applied to the outpatient dialysis units? They often use LPN's.

Good luck, and God bless.