How hard it is to get a LVN job in CA??

[rcristoLPN2010]

Hi

I passed my NCLEX=PN and got my LVN license. I thought everything is over, finally now i have LVN title beside my name and I am so happy. But , I guessed I am wrong..Now I can't find a single job that is hiring LVN in CA. All they want is at least one year experience. How do we get experience when nobody wants to give us any?? Whats the use of having this license and not able to get a job since they want RN?

Something wrong here!! why do we waste years of schooling and clinical's, then endless hours of reviewing for NCLEX then NO JOBS for us in the end of it?? I dont know if i regret having a license in CA?? Where are all the nursing jobs like they promise?? Can someone shed a light on this issue??

Thanks a lot and god bless!!

[LPN_e2010]

Out of desperation I started doing some live-in caretaking for an agency, and two months later I got a great nursing job through the relationship with that registry. I have also worked in a couple of SNF's on day to day assignments from another registry I signed up with. I have told all the registries I've signed up with that I'd go out as low as $15/hr to get started - I need that 1 year of paid experience! I've been getting about $20 - which is not bad and much better than nothing! I'm almost to my 12-month mark and will have 12 months of LVN acute and subacute care experience. Hope this helps.

[TRAntoine]

I'm from a rural community in the Central Valley and there are no jobs in my area. I am having to look into bigger cities and towns to possibly find work, but I am getting the same thing I need a year of practical experience to get hired on... I haven't taken my exam yet, but I am in the works of scheduling it. I swear there are just no jobs.

You can try registries in your area. The jobs are per diem but they give you the experience you need.

[Elleveein, LVN]

I live in LA too, im taking nclex soon i work as an MA right now because of the whole job market for LVNs, my best advice is to walk in with your resume DON'T FAX IT ! i have 6 other classmates that have taken nclex and they all found jobs in LA so its not hopeless but every single one of them walked in to get their jobs luckily i have 13 years of MA experience so i'll probably end up at a clinic but thats ok with me.

[-Mark-]

I know a couple of grads from the nursing school I attend who got jobs in California as LVNs. But, both had connections. One had worked as a receptionist at the medical center where she now works as an LVN prior to her going to nursing school. The other had done a lot of volunteer work while she was going to school, so she had a lot of contacts on the inside. I'd have to say, right now, if you want to get a job as an LVN in Calif you need to network, network, network!! Good luck!! :)

[didi768]

I want to work in clinic but have no clinic experience. If I apply as an MA, does it make me look like a loser or idiot lol? Will they even hire an LPN when all they want are MA's? What about drawing blood and doing EKG's? Where do I get training for that? Clinic demands it!

[caliotter3]

Blood withdrawal classes are usually provided by the same providers who do IV cert classes and EKG classes are sometimes provided by the same people, as well as some hospital education departments. Both can be found by doing a local online search.

[didi768]

Ok thank you!!

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Thank you for sharing the hidden gem secrets to help with job searching!!.

I've read an article to look for ads for postings and call employers to find out what kind of training and experience will be meaningful.

Also, when I use to apply for non-nurse jobs, I would walk-in and drop off my resume with an attached LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Hey everyone! Here are some helpful info/tips I found online for you job seekers:)

Effective Search Strategies

*To find a job, you’ve got to think like an employer. Employers want to hire someone that they trust, so they either hire from within or ask their colleagues for recommendations.

That means you need to either work your way up in a company or get recommended. To work your way up, get inside a company however possible, including internships and entry-level positions. To get recommended, tell your network that you’re looking for new opportunities, and build new professional relationships through informational interviews and industry associations.

The most effective job search methods are:

Asking for leads

Networking

Contacting employers directly

Meeting with career counselors and recruiters

Job search groups

Online search is the last thing you should be doing.

[gapfenix]

I even have 10 years experience and I can't find a job. I see from time to time jobs calling for newly grads. Just keep on applying. Maxims is good place to start as well. Good luck