New Grad Advice

[krocks1218]

Hi all! I am a new ADN grad waiting to take the boards. My concern is with the job search. Even though I have 7 years LPN experience, I get conflicting info on whether it "counts"( which infuriates me :flamesonb) Anyway, with all of job postings either wanting 2 years experience or a BSN, what advice can you give to get your foot in the door.

P.S. While I loved my LTC experience as an LPN, I would love to move on to new pastures.

Thanks!

[Melissa0181]

I was told by a HR representative at a major hospital in the Houston area that every 2 years of CNA experience can count as 1 year of RN experience so I don't see why LVN experience would be ignored. This policy may be hospital specific or it may just depend on the hiring manager and what they are looking for. It seems like getting hired as a new grad is as much luck as anything else.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

... every 2 years of CNA experience can count as 1 year of RN experience ...

Seriously? No disrespect to PCTs but seriously? Whoever told you that has no idea what they are talking about. I very much doubt that statement is true.

By that logic, a CNA/PCT with 20 years experience would be considered to have 10 years experience as an RN.

To the OP, maybe the lack of clarity surrounds the difference in scope between LPN and RN?

[Beatrice91]

HI, i am not sure of how true that statement is about CNA experience being equivalent to RN experience but i DO know that, one of the best ways you can get experience is by volunteering. Look into several hospitals that you would be interested in working for, and see what kind of volunteer opportunties they offer. I am going to volunteer at Shands Hospital as a "infant cuddler" which means a person who comfort, feed, and rock newborns in the ICU. It would be very good if you can find a volunteer position in the area that you are most interested in getting a real job in. It will really pay off in the long run. Some places may require to commit to a certain number of hours. For example, all volunteers at Shands Hospital is required to work for at least 100 hours each week. You can miss up to 3 consecutive months as long as you let them know in advance, to still be considered active.Alot of people work only 4 hours a week. It is a really good opportunity you should look into.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

. . . some places may require to commit to a certain number of hours. for example, all volunteers at shands hospital is required to work for at least 100 hours each week. you can miss up to 3 consecutive months as long as you let them know in advance, to still be considered active.alot of people work only 4 hours a week. it is a really good opportunity you should look into.

wow, that's a commitment. on the other hand, it really cuts down on the number of volunteers needed.

seriously, should that be per month or per quarter?

[Beatrice91]

oops i apologize, that was a mistake. You have to work at least 100 hours all together, and you can work just 4 hours shifts per week. So, after you reach 100 hours, you are not obligated to volunteer there anymore unless you still want to.