Assisted Living Nursing dilemma

[LPN2000]

I have been a prn nurse at a CCRC in their AL in Northern Virginia for one year. I had never worked in AL before (dr's offices) and just love it. I was told that would be a good way to get my foot in the door. I have learned so much doing wound care, MARs/POSs, verbal orders, med passes, wellness visits, sending residents out to the ER etc. There are only 2 FT LPN's, we do 12 hr. shifts and I am called to fill in usually 4/5 shifts a month. I am finding it difficult to find a permanent AL position at this facility or for that matter any facility. They have skilled and long-term care there and every time I inquire with the DON, she will say do you think you're ready or I'll call you and doesn't. I do home health also and remove and put in foleys, wound care, etc. so I have adequate experience. I am wondering if anyone else has been in this position. No other facility here seems to be hiring. I have applied at chains like Sunrise and privately owned. Is the problem because AL needs a minimal amount of nurses and nurses don't leave AL because we like it so much? I know the economy hasn't helped and nurses are staying put in their jobs. Any suggestions?

[ItsTheDude]

not much you can do, the economy is still stagnant or going backwards in some places, it's a waiting game.

i'd talk to the lpn's you want to replace, if it doesn't appear that they're gonna retire or move on when the economy gets better you're looking in the wrong place.

ltc is always an option.