LPN school: wasted a year of my life

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I graduated earlier this year, (March), could not find a GPN job. Got my license a month ago and still no luck. I have applied everywhere, nursing homes, hospitals, Dr offices. I feel like I wasted a year of my life. I quit my office job because they were laying off. I figured that was a sign that I should pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and that I would have a steady career. 6 months after graduation and I'm still working as a CNA for a temp agency. No one will permanently hire a CNA who has their LPN license because they know eventually an LPN will leave in order to use their license. I feel like I wasted my time and now I'm 7000 in debt. Loans payments will start to be due next month and I cant afford to make payments because I have two kids to support. Thought the investment would be worth it. There's only about 10 people in my class that have jobs, and most of them had been working as CNA's at the same facilities beforehand. What a waste of time. I'm considering going to try to get my old job back and just hope that I dont get laid off. What a joke.

Specializes in LTC.

I'm so sorry about your current situation. Maybe you haven't been looking in the right places. I graduated in July, passed boards in Aug, and started my new job this week. I have a part-time job and have two interviews coming up for PRN jobs. I consider myself blessed. I'm able to make a decent income and gain experience while going for my RN.

Keep looking and don't give up. Obtaining an education is never a waste of time.

Scorpio,LPN

21 Posts

I agree with the above, education is NEVER a waste. I feel so terrible for you, you havnt gotten to use your newly gained skills though. Keep your head up and apply everywhere. It seems everwhere here in Iowa is hiring nurses, is it the area your in by chance?

labvampire

43 Posts

Specializes in ER, Pulmonary.

I agree with the second post, it has to be your area. I would expand my search and consider moving. Secondly, by your post, did you go through class because of the love for nursing or because of money? If you wanted to be a nurse, endure all those classes and clinicals, sweat during the state exam, pass, then want to go back to your old job? Job opportunities don't come looking for you, you have to go get them. I think you should take a deep breath, blow it out, and really think this through. Prioritize. Make a list of pros and cons about being a nurse vs your old job. You have children, this effects them also. I understand you are frustrated. You will be frustrated alot as a nurse but you can't give up or quit. If you can endure nursing school, you are a strong and outgoing person. Believe in yourself, buck up, and go forward!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm sorry you feel your LPN license was a waste of your time and effort.

In all likelihood, you probably live in an area that has a surplus of LPNs, which means very few job opportunities to go around for everyone who would like a job in your city. If relocating to another part of the country is an option, I urge you to consider it. I am cognizant that not everyone can pick up the pieces of their lives and move, and this may be your situation, but please realize that LPN jobs are abundant in other cities and states.

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

I am sorry to hear of your situation. I hope you are able to get your old job back if it means a better living for yourself and your family. Please do keep your nursing license in force. You never know when things will turn around or when an opportunity will present itself. Good luck.

Keep looking, I'm still applying for jobs and have had my license in my hands over a month now. Just keep looking. I'm not giving up, and neither should you.

Lexxie, LPN

200 Posts

Specializes in LTC, Urgent Care.

If paying the loans at this time will create a hardship for you, you can try to get a Forbearance, which is for people with financial hardships or a deferment which would allow you to pay the interest only on your loans. Good luck with your job search. Hopefully something will turn up soon for you!

Specializes in CVICU and Trauma.

Awww ... I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time of it. Just know that your LPN was not a waste of time. I took the LVN route because it was actually a shorter route to my RN-BSN. There are many schools that offer the bridge from LVN/LPN to ADN or BSN. I will be done with my BSN in just over a year. Two other friends of mine who did not take the LVN route are still on waiting lists and wishing they had.

As for finding a job ... have you thought of something more untraditional. Such as your local jail, prison, private duty, Veteran Administration, home health, assisted living centers, military hospitals or flu shot clinics? Many temp agency's and registries are a good foot in the door sometimes. Wish you were in my area I could give you a long list of places hiring LVN/LPNs.

I will keep you in my thoughts. Try to keep your head up!

~GB

LPNAW07

10 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Home Health.

have you ever tried to apply as an independent provider with your state as an LPN? I have done this since I graduated in July 2007 and I couldn't be happier and I make a very nice salary a year. If you need some information, I could help you out. I live in Ohio, where do you live?

April

pagandeva2000, LPN

7,984 Posts

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Please enlighten me on what being an independent provider actually does. I don't live in Ohio, but I remember this being mentioned by one of my professors. What does it entail and how do you go about it?

Thanks!

SamiRN

52 Posts

I went to community college and not a vo-tech. it took me 18 months to get my degree but i work side by side with vocational nurses that took half the time to get theirs...we have the same job, make the smae pay and none of us have ever had a hard time getting a job. i cant believe nurses are having trouble getting a job. my agency rings my phone 3-4 times a day asking for me to pick up hours here and there cuz places are short. i dont know where you live but there has got to be something. you need to get out and put applications in. if your putting apps in, its what your putting on them. did they teach you resumes in school? maybe thats the proble. the jobs are there. good luck

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