How long before you were hired?

[wefdm21]

Hi everyone. I'm a new LPN. Graduated in September and licensed at the end of Oct. So actually it has not been very long since school, but I'm must admitt that I am becoming a little distressed because I am not yet working. I just want to know what is the average time after graduation before you were working.

I've applied to many places, mainly hospitals (which I have now come to the conclusion that you need a "gazillion" years experience before they will hire you). So if you could also let me know what type of facilities I will have the best chance at being hired, and what the best route of applying for jobs is.

Thank you very much.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I completed school in October, took NCLEX in late January, and landed my first nursing job in early February.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

So if you could also let me know what type of facilities I will have the best chance at being hired, and what the best route of applying for jobs is.

1. Your best chances of being hired are usually presented at nursing homes, extended care facilities, and rehab.

2. For new hires without experience, the best route of applying for jobs is in person during "banker's hours" (Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm). DONs, ADONs, hiring managers, and human resources employees usually work these "banker's hours" and will often interview you on the spot if you apply in person.

Always remember that it is easy to disregard an emailed application or faxed resume. It is difficult, however, to disregard the applicant who has taken the initiative to apply in person.

[nursehellokitty04]

hey it depends what shift are you trying to get on???

[wefdm21]

well now that I'm going the LTC route, I can only work 7-3 (which is unlikely from the start) or 11-7. Any of you who work LTC, how does your place of employment schedule weekends? Does everyone have to work weekends through out the month or do they try to hire someone ot only work weekends?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Any of you who work LTC, how does your place of employment schedule weekends? Does everyone have to work weekends through out the month or do they try to hire someone ot only work weekends?

I do weekend double shifts. I have Monday through Friday off, and then proceed to work 16 hour days on Saturday and Sunday to cover thw weekend. All of the Monday through Friday nurses have the weekend off because the full-time weekend staff covers Saturday and Sunday.

It's not bad because I am paid for 40 hours weekly and have benefits.

[TrickieTam]

I graduated in August, took the NCLEX in mid-October, got a job in November. Like a week after passing I was hired at one LTC facility but their orientation was so unorganized I turned down the offer. Two weeks and I was still watching films and working on a mannequin. A week after leaving I was hired at a facility about 1 block from my apartment. I work 12-hour shifts and the pay is nice. I make my regular pay for 8hours, then after 8hours I gain an extra $1.50 of shift differential. Talk about sweet!!!! I would apply for LTC first then ALF.