Questions from frustrated new grad LPN

U.S.A. Maryland

Published

Specializes in Psychiatric.

I graduated my PN program in August last year, have had my LPN license since October, and I still haven't been able to find a job. Haven't even gotten an interview. Does anyone know any place that is hiring new grads in the Baltimore area? All the nursing homes I've found want experience (showing up in person in a suit and tie hasn't helped), I've applied with DHMH (I have a Psych background from before I got into nursing and would be happy to work in a place like Spring Grove) but haven't heard back, and I've applied at other psych-ish places (group home, chemical dependency centers). Nothing.

I'm open to (desperate for, really) suggestions. I do plan to go on and get my RN (and beyond), but I simply cannot afford to go back to school without a job.

If I can't find work as an LPN, I'd be willing to work as a CNA. Do I need to apply with the BON for CNA certification, or does my LPN automatically qualify me for CNA positions? What about medical assistant positions? Honestly I'm open to almost anything at this point.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought after you've been licensed as a LPN or RN you can no longer work as a CNA b/c you might not stay in your scope of practice? Anyways onto your other question, would you consider working in Annapolis? I know my facility has been seeking LPN's to work 8pm-8am.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Yes, I'd be perfectly happy to work in Annapolis. Could you PM me about your facility?

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Done :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Have you tried Sheppard Pratt? I'm not sure if they are hiring now but I know they use LPNs. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Funny that you mention Sheppard Pratt--I live in the general vicinity and have a lot of direct care experience working with kids who've been through Sheppard Pratt, so I've been keeping an eye on their open positions. They haven't had any since before I got my license, though--until this week. I applied for it and have my fingers crossed..

In case neither that nor miiszkim's facility work out, I'm still very interested in knowing a definitive answer to my CNA question.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Definitely check with the BON. A few years ago when I was a LPN they said no way were we allowed to work below our scope of practice however I think I read here that someone said things might have changed. FWIW I wouldn't necessarily wait for openings to show on the company's website to apply for positions because sometimes HR is woefully behind and there are needs that aren't listed.

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Try Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore. I know they hire LPNs.

Good luck.

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Try CMS if you don't mind working corrections. Website (I believe) is cmsstl.com

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Ms. Ann and Military Spouse, thanks for the suggestions. Mt. Washington wasn't hiring new grads, and I recall looking at CMS, but at the time their only open position was a bit too far away--something I could have done if I wasn't also intending to return to school to work on my RN.

Fortunately, however, I did get a job (which I'm loving!) not long after I posted this thread. :)

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Ms. Ann and Military Spouse, thanks for the suggestions. Mt. Washington wasn't hiring new grads, and I recall looking at CMS, but at the time their only open position was a bit too far away--something I could have done if I wasn't also intending to return to school to work on my RN.

Fortunately, however, I did get a job (which I'm loving!) not long after I posted this thread. :)

Congratulations on the new job!

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