Can't Find a job!!! This wasn't supposed to be this hard!

Published

So there is a nursing shortage, is there not? Why can't I find a job? Has anybody else experienced this? Is the economy this bad? Granted, I am only an LPN and I literally got a license number yesterday. The thing is I have been applying for jobs since September in preparation for graduation and I'm not really even getting any calls back. Maybe they passed over my application becuase it had no license number and now it will get better? Most of my friends have been able to get jobs already, though. I graduated number 1 in my class from a good PN school and got into an even better LPN to BSN program which I am starting in the Spring so I can't understand why I can't even get anyone to call me back. I'm starting to think that there must be something that I am doing wrong. Please let me know if anyone is having/had a similar experience, has any ideas about what I'm doing wrong or what more I can do, etc.:banghead:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi,

What state do you live in? That does make a difference. Definitely check out LTC because as we all know that is a sure thing for utilizing LPNs. I've never been a big fan of just emailing or faxing in resumes. I think that the ever important "face time" is crucial in getting yourself noticed. Hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not an LPN so I don't know lots about the LPN market. But, I think you should reapply to each place you have applied to, if there are openings.

Sometimes you have to bypass the HR dept. a little. I sent my apps to HR, but I also submitted a copy of the app and my resume directly to each nurse manager. I would not recommend just dropping in, but its perfectly fine to leave it in their mailbox (most here have mailboxes on their door).

If the Nurse Manager gets 5-10 apps per day (or more) it's very easy to be be lost in the shuffle. You've got to go the extra mile and make yourself known.

Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surge Tele, Clinical Informatics.

I know this is a late reply, but I am having the same issue. I passed my boards (for RN) in October and still have not found a job. I have applied all over the state at this point. I have had three different hospitals blatantly tell me they are not hiring new grads. I do blame the economy. Experienced nurses are taking on more shifts/positions, not retiring, coming out of retirement., nurses are being fired (yes, fired), nurses are being sent home when pt.census is low and being forced to take PTO time because it was budgeted from last year. You name it-it's happening. I am so tired of hearing the old "nursing shortage" line from everyone I talk to. A shortage for experienced nurses only!!! When I look for positions 90% of places want experience- how do I get it if no one will hire me??? I hear your frustration. As for the previous suggestion of dropping off your resumee that might work for some places, but most of the places I have applied to told me to NOT mail in a paper resumee and ONLY do it online or it will not get looked at. Check to see the policy of that facility. Good luck!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We have a glut of LPNs but MANY of the LTC's in our area (NOVA) are hurting for RN's.

We had a couple offering cars and a sign on bonus and still can't get RN's.

We've even tried to get new grads. New joy though.

Not to sure how hospitals are getting ALL of the RN's but our pay is pretty much on par with theirs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surge Tele, Clinical Informatics.

Stanley-

I have considered LTCs but my two worries are:

1)RN positions in LTC's in CT(where I am) are supervisor positions. I don't feel qualified to supervise nurses who have been nursing forever when I am a newbie.

2) If I got over #1 and took a supervisor position, would I get enough "hands on" skills to eventually get another position? I worked as a CNA in nursing school and the RN supervisors mostly did paperwork. The LPN's did the real work. I want to keep my emergency/critical care skills sharp. Am I making sense?

What are you thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Stanley-

I have considered LTCs but my two worries are:

1)RN positions in LTC's in CT(where I am) are supervisor positions. I don't feel qualified to supervise nurses who have been nursing forever when I am a newbie.

This we work around by using insane amounts of orientation and shadowing and other resources. We have been successful in this aspect.

2) If I got over #1 and took a supervisor position, would I get enough "hands on" skills to eventually get another position? I worked as a CNA in nursing school and the RN supervisors mostly did paperwork. The LPN's did the real work. I want to keep my emergency/critical care skills sharp. Am I making sense?

What are you thoughts?

This is something we have had no answer for. Ultimately though, at least in my view, long term employment at LTC ultimately makes you lose skills that are used elsewhere.

I can't see how any skill in LTC translates to other field except maybe Med-Surg. Admittedly I am not educated concerning ALL of the other fields so I may be WAY off base.

My DON does think this is part of the problem though. In the end, RN's are left without a job and we are left without RN's... :(

They already know I intend to pursue a hospital but are already offering me all kinds of incentives to stay on at least part time.

Of course the other problem is some places are offering such high incentives that it is impossible to compete with them and they aren't getting RNs either. :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I know the feeling. I'm an RN New Grad I like a lot of people I'm having trouble finding a job. There is definately not a nurse shortage where I live, unless your an experienced nurse.

All I can say is hang in there :coollook:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same here. It took me several months just to be interviewed. good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

You have to look at the facts that LPNs or LVNs are not high in demand anymore except for LTCs. Now this all started well before the economy took a dump and LVNs have always been steered towards LTCs because that was where they were needed. This has caused a backlog of positions so many are having problems getting jobs even on the LTC level. Acute hospitals have been phasing out LVNs for years. My facility hasn't had an LVN work here for over 5 years. Their use is limited in some ways and an RN is abetter choice if possible. On the other issue, timing is everything. Experienced RNs will always get the nod over a new grad most of the time. Hospitals are freezing new hires and if they need an opening filled they will wait as long as possible for that experienced nurse to apply. Bottom line is money well spent, no long training issues. I really don't think people should give up on looking. Location has a lot to do with finding that job also. New grads, if possible, should consider moving to areas that are in need of nurses. Just don't move to San Diego or San Francisco!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surge Tele, Clinical Informatics.

I can't move (got kids in school) but I am now looking for work in facilities that are an hour drive from me... I gotta do what I gotta do...... at least gas isn't 5$ a gallon anymore...Haha

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.
I can't move (got kids in school) but I am now looking for work in facilities that are an hour drive from me... I gotta do what I gotta do...... at least gas isn't 5$ a gallon anymore...Haha

I know it is very difficult for people in certain areas to just pull up stakes and move. They get locked into an area because of kids or their spouses job. It can be a very tough situation especially if you have limited facilities to choose from. I live in Northern California and work in Southern California, 450 miles away! I only do this because I have worked at the same hospital for over 30 years, I am established. I moved North because I couldn't stand the area anymore. Too much traffic, people and crime. I live in the Sierras on 5 acres in a town that has 850 people! Heaven! I stay at the hospital for 8 days and go home for 5 days. Thank goodness gas has dropped.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion