Are there any new or recent LVN grads in Dallas, TX area?

OrangeMel · Apr 29, 2009

I recently graduated from LVN school in dallas and wanted to get a job at a clinic or hospital. as you said, it was all 'we dont hire lvn's anymore' or 'you need one year experience'. the only thing left was nursing homes, and even then, the ones i tried were full. even the hospitals that our school used to use for clinicals now arent hiring lvns so we had a tough time even finding clinical sites. in the end i did find a great job at a mental health hospital, but if i had known then what i know now, i would have for sure gone for RN, or even BSN. i wish the school would just cut the lvn program and double the rn, because everyone in the program wanted to be an rn anyway and just could get in.

starsgirl78 · May 7, 2009

Hmmm. My experience has been different.

I graduated March 31, took boards on April 22, my license was issued the 28th, and I was formally hired yesterday at a LTC facility.

I originally started out applying for hospitals and clinics and had one interview. Just this Tuesday, I expanded my search to LTC and immediately received three calls to set up interviews. I went to the first of the three yesterday and was hired on the spot.

All of my friends from school who have been actively searching for jobs are either already working or will start this week or next.

There are a lot of places hiring. Mostly LTC, but you know when you enroll in an LVN program that LTC is where you are going to find the most opportunities for a new grad anyway. Most agencies do require 1 year of experience. If you want to be an agency nurse, you have to pay your dues first.

bcskittlez · May 7, 2009

Stargirl78, were you a CNA first? Did you start applying the day after graduation or once your license was issued. I heard that some let your start without your license. Thanks for your help! Also, did anyone apply at LTACs?

OrangeMel, I'm interested in Mental Health. Do you enjoy your job? Do you think they would allow you to work nights starting out. I'm a night owl, lol. Thanks for your help!

starsgirl78 · May 7, 2009

I started applying prior to graduation.

There are a few places that will hire a GVN, but most want you to have your license.

I know a couple of classmates that have found jobs at LTACs but there aren't a whole lot of LTAC's, so there aren't a whole lot of LTAC jobs. There are a ton of LTC's so there are a lot more jobs.

I was a CNA, but never worked as one. I just had the certification. I was an EMT 10 years ago and a midwife until 3 years ago, so I had a pretty solid healthcare background. Most of my friends who have already found jobs are brand new to healthcare.

GeauxNursing · May 8, 2009

Stars, you've got all that experience and yet you could only find a job in an LTC? (no offense to the LTC-ers out there!) But I understand about the hospitals. There's only Methodist and Parkland for LVN's. Oh, and Dallas Regional. I'm in dialysis, I was a PCT all through nursing school. What about Kindred LTAC on Greenville?

starsgirl78 · May 8, 2009

I was looking in Tarrant county for days or evenings only. I would have had many more options if I wanted nights. LTC wasn't my first choice, but it wasn't my last either. I'm happy with what I found.

ER is my real niche, but unfortunately, ER's around here aren't hiring LVN's.

I *like* LTC. Especially on a skilled nursing unit like where I am going to be working. I like wound care too. For me personally, I felt most like a nurse when I was doing clinicals in LTC and the ER.

Surprisingly, even with my hx with midwifery there's not enough money in the world to get me into hospital L&D! LOL