Older new grad...Career change...No experience...Can't get any interviews!

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hello! :) LPN NEWBIE here! :nurse:

I graduated in Aug. 2010. Took the NCLEX at the end of Oct. 2010. Passed, first time. I had been searching every outlet to land my first LPN position and it took a very long time. I started working for an org. in Feb. and with very minimal training, orientation, or shadowing, I was thrown into the field. Then with very minimal support or direction from mgmt. or the nursing supervisor I was left to 'sink or swim'! I thought I was swimming fairly well, with the RN's and pt's apparantly happy with my work, but for the org. NOTHING I did seemed to be right and after only 2 mos. into my probation period it was mutually agreed that I be LET GO. They were not willing to accomodate my needs.

So now I am back in the job searching pool again and have found it next to impossible to even get my foot in the door. I have filled out many applications and sent out my resume to almost every place I know of and NOTHING! Not one BITE! :eek:

I'd like to FIX what might be 'wrong' but how can I when I don't know what it is!?! :idea:

Is it my resume?! :confused:

Is it my cover letter?! :confused:

Is it my lack of previous medical experience because of my career change?! :confused:

Is it my age?! :confused:

Is it just the economic times and today's job market?! :confused:

Is it that I'm competing against others with experience and not even being considered b/c of that?! :confused:

Is it a combination of any of these?! :confused: :confused: :confused:

:twocents: HELP!!! :twocents:

I know I'm a good nurse.

And with the right opportunity I know I can further develop my knowledge and skills and grow as a professional nurse.

All I need is that first employer to give me a chance to show them what I've got and SHINE! :redpinkhe

I'm trying NOT to get discouraged but .......... :crying2:

I completely agree with the HR idea...there might be a Workforce Solutions office in your area? Somewhere out there is the job for you, don't give up. Also if you are worried about your resume, keep it short & don't put in lots of stuff about jobs that do not relate to nursing (even if there is barely nothing...just list the ones you were at the longest...keep it short & there are plenty of formats online you can fill in the blanks or customize your own for letters & resumes...use resume paper (I think the grey is the best!)) Good luck!

One more thing is to not let this get you down because if you are tired of looking & frustrated you wont be yourself...let yourself get excited because they want to see that!

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As I read These comments I cannot help but think it has to be the market we are in for the last several years...I am also 48 and graduated 2005..got the license and have gotten work but never in the full capacity I would like, such as full time steady and in a acute care setting. It is so very difficult right now. Also it seems no matter how educated you are in the field the only way to get in is, luck, and who you know. I have been told twice that I was overqualified for positions, sadly we have no control. Also as mentioned previously there are areas where you cant get past that HR rep/screener to get an opportunity to actually speak with the actual recruiter. It is discouraging. I have volunteered at a hospital to get familiar and hopefully work there one day. In the meantime just try to keep your nursing enthusiasm up (I know that is hard to do) and take classes to further your education.

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