Obtaining an LPN position advise

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Specializes in Peds and Geri.

I live In Tucson Arizona and I need some advise please...... How can an LPN get a job without references?

Here is the history - I have been an LPN since 2004 but in 2008 I became my mothers 24/7 caregiver (she had COPD, CHF, Renal Failure, Ostomy, Advanced stage RA, dementia and wheelchair bound) She passed in 2012 (yup 4 years later) and I am finding it hard to get a position. The reasons that I am getting are "you do not have any current work history" "Is there any non-family members that verify the services you provided" "Do you have any current work references". My licence is active, current and non-restricted.... plus I keep taking refresher courses to keep up on trends.... any advice would great, Thanks

Specializes in CCM, PHN.

So where did you work as an LPN for those 4 years? Contact them and ask if someone can provide a reference.

Also: knowing basic spelling will help you get a job, too. I would not hire someone who could not spell "advice" correctly.

Specializes in Peds and Geri.

I did try that but the clinic has had high turnover during the last 4 years and my direct co-workers and supervisors have moved on – all that remains is the HR record (the clinic no longer hires LPNs).

Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

Hmm. Well, I don't know. Do you know of another nurse who might be familiar with your work?

Can you find them on facebook or linked in. Many people have a social networking page.

Anyway, let this be a lesson: Always network and secure contacts.

Good luck to you.

So where did you work as an LPN for those 4 years? Contact them and ask if someone can provide a reference.

Also: knowing basic spelling will help you get a job, too. I would not hire someone who could not spell "advice" correctly.

LOL Who said that OP couldn't spell? Did you just type that? LOL

Feel free to let the MODERATORS 'moderate' and have a seat, ma'am.

That was just an ugly thing to say to someone, period. I cannot stand 'petty' people.

The 'c' and 's' are in close proximity on the keyboard. When you're typing quickly....

OP could be on their cell. I usually visit the board on my cell. No biggie. My G4 does what it wants. Spells words however it likes. Here's what I know: Predictive text can be a 'mutha'! LOL So, I've probably made all sorts of spelling errors in my posts...and anyone beyond the moderator can feel free to pop a blood vessel complaining about it for all that I care.

Some people on this site are just as rude as 'I don't know what' ... and ya'll know good and well that the bulk of these nurses probably don't have even half of that 'mouth' in real life. Couldn't possibly. They wouldn't be on the board crying about being 'bullied', otherwise. But, they'll bring their tough behinds on the internet and throw their weight around? Whatever.

I live In Tucson Arizona and I need some advise please...... How can an LPN get a job without references?

Here is the history - I have been an LPN since 2004 but in 2008 I became my mothers 24/7 caregiver (she had COPD, CHF, Renal Failure, Ostomy, Advanced stage RA, dementia and wheelchair bound) She passed in 2012 (yup 4 years later) and I am finding it hard to get a position. The reasons that I am getting are "you do not have any current work history" "Is there any non-family members that verify the services you provided" "Do you have any current work references". My licence is active, current and non-restricted.... plus I keep taking refresher courses to keep up on trends.... any advice would great, Thanks

Have you applied at LTC facilities? When my LPN class graduated in May, the nursing homes were snapping us up left and right. Still are- 3 of my classmates and myself all got hired within the last 3 weeks at a facility already employing 4 more of them. None of us had any experience except some of us were CNAs. Keep trying.

Hmm. Well, I don't know. Do you know of another nurse who might be familiar with your work?

Can you find them on facebook or linked in. Many people have a social networking page.

Anyway, let this be a lesson: Always network and secure contacts.

Good luck to you.

LOL Who said that OP couldn't spell? Did you just type that? LOL

Feel free to let the MODERATORS 'moderate' and have a seat, ma'am.

That was just an ugly thing to say to someone, period. I cannot stand 'petty' people.

The 'c' and 's' are in close proximity on the keyboard. When you're typing quickly....

OP could be on their cell. I usually visit the board on my cell. No biggie. My G4 does what it wants. Spells words however it likes. Here's what I know: Predictive text can be a 'mutha'! LOL So, I've probably made all sorts of spelling errors in my posts...and anyone beyond the moderator can feel free to pop a blood vessel complaining about it for all that I care.

Some people on this site are just as rude as 'I don't know what' ... and ya'll know good and well that the bulk of these nurses probably don't have even half of that 'mouth' in real life. Couldn't possibly. They wouldn't be on the board crying about being 'bullied', otherwise. But, they'll bring their tough behinds on the internet and throw their weight around? Whatever.

I'm extremely picky about grammar and spelling in real life, but in texting, facebooking and forum posting, I give people a break. It's just not that big a freakin deal.

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

I'm going to have to side with the "grammar police". While it's easy to have a mistake due to autocorrect, it is still obvious sometimes when the write can't spell. This is in no way an attack on the OP, but I wonder if his/her resume has misspellings. That could be the reason that employers are not even offering an interview.

When I was in management, I tossed any resumes that were misspelled. I figured that if they didn't take the time to use spell check and didn't pay attention to details, that I would see the same behavior in their work performance. That doesn't mean I'm perfect or above the person. We all make mistakes. But in the time many people have been unemployed, they have had plenty if time to spend making sure their resume stands out for the right reasons.

Correct spelling is the difference between feeling you're nuts and feeling your...(not sure I'm allowed to say the last part on this site, so take your best guess).

Spelling can mean the difference between charting on Mr. Smith and Mr. Smyth. If both pts were getting blood and you overlook the spelling, there could be a lot of harm done to both patients.

The year of experience everyone wants is hard to get. You may have to consider a CNA job to get your year of experience working as an RN. One agency I know does this and once the RN has completed the year, they send them to nursing cases. Try temp jobs or call every clinic in town until you find something. If you search the boards on this site, you will find lots if nurses in the same situation and lots of ideas to get your foot in the door. Good luck!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

OP ..... I m so sorry for your loss....((HUGS))

MODERATOR NOTE:

First.......I think we need to remember that SMART PHONES are not always that SMART.

Allnurses promotes the idea of lively debate. But, Our first priority is to the members that have come here because of the flame-free atmosphere we provide. There is a zero-tolerance policy here against personal attacks. We will not tolerate anyone insulting other's opinion nor name calling.

Our call is to be supportive, not divisive.

This thread is about the OP being an LPN that has been away from the bedside caring for her ill mother....which is something she should be proud of....and being unable to find a position. It is NOT about nurses spelling and grammar.

Please stick to topic or posts will be edited and points assigned.

Keep sending out resumes/applications. Perhaps try to find someone you worked with in the past. Even someone you went to school with even.

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