You MUST be freaking kidding me!?

[wishinguponastarLPN]

So I am 2 weeks away from graduating my LPN program. I have worked as a CNA for the past year to make sure I have patient experience as well as I always heard it was easier to gain employment at a facility you already work. So I have have bust my tail for the past year with working and going to school. I have been counting down the days till I will no longer have to work as a CNA and can start working as a nurse.

Then today my DON calls me to tell me they don't have any LPN position available and asked me to continue working as a CNA for another 3 MONTHS!!!!

She told me they just hired in a bunch of new nurses and they need to get them trained and settled in first before they can offer me a position, but that I am first in line for the next opening! WTH!!

I have lived and breathed nursing for the past year and her telling me this is like a punch in the stomach! I told her that I will be fully licensed in about a month and would rather work as an LPN. She then told me that if I decide to leave to at least put in my 2 weeks. I didn't even know what to say to that! I've never had any performace, attendance, or peer issues so I am really confused about where this is coming from. I guess I will just have to start looking for employment somewhere else, but finding new grad LPN positions around here is really difficult.

[Christine2009]

First off you are only 2 weeks away from passing the LVN PROGRAM! You are not considered an LVN until you pass the NCLEX so waiting three months should not be a problem for you since you still need to PASS the boards and wait for your license to come. This all takes time...so, instead of leaving your current job, stay there and just wait out the 3 months until you get your license.

[DaniLPN2RN]

I know it's frustrating, but I agree you should wait the three months. A lot can happen in three months. One of the recently hired nurses may not stay, opening a slot for you.

Just relax ... finish your program ... study for NCLEX ... by then there may be an opening where you are currently working. If not, make the decision then, at least you have a job while looking for work if that's what needs to happen.

[Nurseyperson101]

There are people out there that have studied their butts off, passed their NCLEX and then applied to jobs for 6+ months before ever being hired! Be grateful that you already have a place of employment that is willing to hire you as soon as they have a position available! The other posters are right - it is going to take some time for you to finally get your NCLEX appointment, take your exam, and get your paperwork/licensing info back anyways. Just enjoy the last little bit of time you have in your current position and be ready to rock your new job! :)

[kimmeyd]

I vote yes to staying at your current job and sticking out the 3 months! I just graduated RN school and even though I got a job, it is even super hard to find a job as a RN right now....so jump on that opportunity and deal with the "red-tape"!!!!!

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I definitely agree with everyone..especially the one poster who said that some of the new LPN's may not even stay! Jobs are extremely hard to come by right now, so if your facility is offering you one..just be patient. But... it doesn't hurt to look in the meantime. If someone offers you a position before you are able to obtain one at your current facility, than by all means take that job. Good luck with the NCLEX & whatever you decide to do regarding your job :)