New Grad LPN needs help landing my first job in NYC area.

Revvy1337 · Jun 25, 2012

Have you tried a nursing home? You might not want to work in geriatrics per se but thats usually where LPNs tend to have jobs these days and clinics, too.

notmanydaysoff · Jun 25, 2012

Okay, so here's my :twocents: !

Looking for work can be a job in itself; at least that's the way I approached it. When I was looking for work last yr, I sent my resume to various locations that I found using internet sites, phone books, want ads, etc. Working in LTC was not my first choice, so I did not apply there. I focused primarily on clinics.

I customized each and every cover letter and resume that I sent out. My resume was polished, grammatically correct, and attractive. The ones I mailed were printed on high quality paper. I proofed my resume for errors and consistency; had a friend and DH do the same. Since this was a 2nd career for me, I put together a functional skills resume vs a traditional job experience-based one. If you are not familiar w/the ins-and-outs of resume building, I suggest heading to your local library/bookstore for a resume writing book.

I kept track of all contacts and communications on a spread sheet. Included information on contact person, addresses, date sent, copies of resume/cover letter, disposition.

I followed up. Made phone calls, did site visits.

It took me about 4 wks to get my first job - a PT gig doing flu shots (which incidentally, I heard about here on AN). Alas, a job that I could actually list on a resume! My next and current job, took about 3 mos. That job started the day after my flu shot job ended. I'm still there, working in any one of several urgent care clinics that the hospital operates. I love the work.

Good luck!

Newgrad_LPN · Jun 25, 2012

Have you tried a nursing home? You might not want to work in geriatrics per se but thats usually where LPNs tend to have jobs these days and clinics, too.

Yes I have. I called them back since there wasn't any response but they told me they will call me when a position is available. Thank you for your reply though.

Newgrad_LPN · Jun 25, 2012

Okay, so here's my !
Looking for work can be a job in itself; at least that's the way I approached it. When I was looking for work last yr, I sent my resume to various locations that I found using internet sites, phone books, want ads, etc. Working in LTC was not my first choice, so I did not apply there. I focused primarily on clinics.
I customized each and every cover letter and resume that I sent out. My resume was polished, grammatically correct, and attractive. The ones I mailed were printed on high quality paper. I proofed my resume for errors and consistency; had a friend and DH do the same. Since this was a 2nd career for me, I put together a functional skills resume vs a traditional job experience-based one. If you are not familiar w/the ins-and-outs of resume building, I suggest heading to your local library/bookstore for a resume writing book.
I kept track of all contacts and communications on a spread sheet. Included information on contact person, addresses, date sent, copies of resume/cover letter, disposition.
I followed up. Made phone calls, did site visits.
It took me about 4 wks to get my first job - a PT gig doing flu shots (which incidentally, I heard about here on AN). Alas, a job that I could actually list on a resume! My next and current job, took about 3 mos. That job started the day after my flu shot job ended. I'm still there, working in any one of several urgent care clinics that the hospital operates. I love the work.
Good luck!

I don't have any preference as long as I can get experience. I have done my clinical in a nursing home and in a hospital. I went in person and spoke to them and handed my resume but they are not hiring either. I created my resume with the help of someone who works at the local resume. I proofed my resume for errors and consistency by several professional people. There were few mistakes and they helped me out.

I followed up and made phone calls too but when I hear the same thing about no experience, it lets me down.

Although you reply was motivating and I won't give up. Thank you so much.

jagged777 · Jun 25, 2012

Good info thanks

somedaypeds · Jun 25, 2012

How about home health care? I work in home health and I love the work, but hate the pay. I started there right after I finished LPN school to gain experience. It is difficult for a new grad because you are on your own, but if you are confident about your skills, you can do it.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2012

Yeah, the flu shot place is a good start. They pay $19/hr for LPN's. The only bad thing is that they do not guarantee hours-first come, first serve. Have you checked out corrections? I just had another interview at a detention center today & got the job. I'm starting orientation at another detention center tomorrow. They seem to be more willing to hire new grads right now than anyone else. The nursing homes in my area want experienced nurses

Newgrad_LPN · Jun 26, 2012

How about home health care? I work in home health and I love the work, but hate the pay. I started there right after I finished LPN school to gain experience. It is difficult for a new grad because you are on your own, but if you are confident about your skills, you can do it.

I tried few but after learning few reviews I will focus more on home health care for a start. Thank you.

Newgrad_LPN · Jun 26, 2012

Yeah, the flu shot place is a good start. They pay $19/hr for LPN's. The only bad thing is that they do not guarantee hours-first come, first serve. Have you checked out corrections? I just had another interview at a detention center today & got the job. I'm starting orientation at another detention center tomorrow. They seem to be more willing to hire new grads right now than anyone else. The nursing homes in my area want experienced nurses

I haven't checked out corrections but now I will. I will give it a try at flu shot as well. The only problem is, it's upstate which is almost 2-3 hours away from where I live but I will apply there and see how things go. Congratulations to you and good luck. Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

Pedal · Jun 26, 2012

I posted this for another with a similar q: It may be a long search or a short one for your first job depending. I may have made life tough for myself post-grad/licensure by looking far and wide rather than in my own back yard. Go with the network you have to land your first job. I think after you get experience 1-2 years it will be much easier to find jobs through the posts online. But don't waste your time. I probably sent in somewhere between 100-200 app's during 10 months of fruitless searching until I landed a job through a friend and his family contact at a psych hospital. In fact I got the job offer as I was filling out the application! It can be brutal for new grads right now as you probably know. Lesson learned: start from where you are and who you know.

Newgrad_LPN · Jun 26, 2012

I posted this for another with a similar q: It may be a long search or a short one for your first job depending. I may have made life tough for myself post-grad/licensure by looking far and wide rather than in my own back yard. Go with the network you have to land your first job. I think after you get experience 1-2 years it will be much easier to find jobs through the posts online. But don't waste your time. I probably sent in somewhere between 100-200 app's during 10 months of fruitless searching until I landed a job through a friend and his family contact at a psych hospital. In fact I got the job offer as I was filling out the application! It can be brutal for new grads right now as you probably know. Lesson learned: start from where you are and who you know.

You are absolutely right. Trying to use whatever network I have and making some by doing volunteer work once a week. I did door to door resume today and most of the people told me to go on their website and apply there. Which I already did couple of weeks ago. Thank you for the info. Let me know if you have any friends working in NYC and if there are any job openings they know. Sorry if I asked something personal. Thank you. :)