Can't find a job as a new grad RN, is it crazy to apply for an LPN position?

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Would a hospital even hire me or would I be "overqualified?" Don't know where else to start though since no one wants to give you the time of day without a year or two of experience.

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Would a hospital even hire me or would I be "overqualified?" Don't know where else to start though since no one wants to give you the time of day without a year or two of experience.

The job market for LPNs is just as bad as for RNs. You can try but the same holds true -- you'll be competing against a lot of experienced nurses.

Also, there are very few LPN jobs in hospitals; you'll be looking at LTC/SNF for the most part. Or home health, doctors' offices, corrections, etc.

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Would a hospital even hire me or would I be "overqualified?" Don't know where else to start though since no one wants to give you the time of day without a year or two of experience.

Are you only applying to specific units? you may have to take a LTC or nursing home to get experience!

How far are you applying from your home? only jobs 10-20 minutes away or are you willing to drive an hour to get a job? Also, do you have a BSN or ADN

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What about the LPNs looking for work? Why should you be a better fit than them?

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You are likely to be held to your highest license so even though your job description limits you to LVN duties, your RN license may mean you are held accountable to a higher scope of practice and responsibility. If you choose to pursue a LVN position, it is a good idea to check with your state board about what you can/cannot/ought to do in the workplace.

Running into trouble with any board of nursing is, for the vast majority of people, a remote possibility. I am more concerned about the kind of company who would hire a RN to do LVN level work and LVN level pay. In my experience, such companies tend to have a very high employee turn over and are lax about the quality of patient care they provide. Why bother training and supervising you to the fullest if they know you'll jump ship as soon as you find a RN position?

I do understand that times are tough. The pain of job searching makes any opening look worthwhile. I hope you find the best option for yourself. Good luck and let us know how you do!

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

sorry you are having a tough time looking for a job. not good to be a new grad in this lousy economy.

about your question, no you cannot work as an lpn unless you have an lpn license. do you have an lpn license?

what you can try to do is if you see an lpn position posted, call them up and ask if you can apply as an rn with an lpn pay. that way your title is still an rn but you are getting an lpn pay. lpn pay is better than zero pay. but i'm sure they know you would leave them as soon as you find an rn position with rn pay. so i don't know how this is going to work out for you.

good luck!

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Are you only applying to specific units? you may have to take a LTC or nursing home to get experience!

How far are you applying from your home? only jobs 10-20 minutes away or are you willing to drive an hour to get a job? Also, do you have a BSN or ADN

I've applied to nearly everything..med/surg, nursery/OB, psych..haven't heard anything. I've tried several states and I've got a BSN

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I know how you feel. I'm an old new grad and I applied everywhere in California (northern and southern california) for hospital jobs. So far, I had 4 interviews: one new grad in san diego (2000 applicants, 200 interviews, and only about 60-80 chosen, one home telehealth nurse (a lot applicants, only 1 spot), one public health nurse (made it to the eligibility list, waiting for another interview), one med/surg (got interview, got selected, but waiting for offer). While waiting for the offer, I got an email for ER department and just got another call for an interview med/surg position in san diego. My daily routine, is constantly check online on local hospital where i live, check indeed.com, facebook, print out a list on wikipedia of all hospitals and go through that list. Keep fixing your resume and cover letter. I had moments when I wanted to give up and just start applying at SNF or Nursing homes. Being patient is the key and all the support you can get. I tend to read allnurses.com to make sure I'm not the only person going through this. Keep your head up and GOOD LUCK! If there's anything I can do to help PM.

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Specializes in Homecare, Public Health.

I'd have to agree with agldragonRN apply for a posted LPN position and see if they hire you.

Most of the places I've worked for there is not much of a difference in starting pay for a new LPN/RN. My last homecare agency was $30 visit LPN & $35 RN, last LTC LPN $24.50 and RN $26.75 and other places around here are similar.

So maybe working at a LPN rate of pay wont be that bad and you'll get experience to boot.

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You may have to cast your net broader and apply at LTC or SNF just to get yourself in the medical employment game. Just a thought.

I don't know if I would go the route of applying for LPN because even if someone hires you, you are limited by the scope you work I would assuem, also it seems to me only desparate places would do this knowing that you will leave as soon as a RN position comes along.

p.s How would it work if you are hired as a LPN with a RN license but then asked to start a blood transfusion? LPN's are restricted, RNs can but you're hired as a LPN.

Thoughts?

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Thanks for the advice everyone!

I'm wondering is it really easier to land a job at a long term care facility as a new grad?

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Specializes in Homecare, Public Health.

In Connecticut if they hire an RN for an LPN position the nurse would work as an RN not an LPN but, because the postion was budgeted for a LPN you would receive the LPN pay.

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