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:

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I'm in the same situation. I'm a second-career RN. I got my Associate's in May, passed my boards in July, and I'm still job-hunting.

I live in Boston. It's hard to find an RN job out here, but I can't go too far away for family reasons. Hospitals out here generally want experience or a BSN. I have a BA (English), but that doesn't seem to count. I have a lot of customer service experience, but I've never worked as a CNA, though not for lack of trying. I found out how to become a CNA (without taking the $700 Red Cross course) 3 weeks before graduation, after asking a bunch of people, including my advisor. All anyone said was "get a letter."

I've also applied at a TCU, community health centers, rehab hospitals, and long-term care facilities. I've gotten callbacks and interviews, but no job offers.

Yes, I'm frustrated. I never managed to find a better job after getting my BA, and I'm terrified of repeating that. I didn't spend $7000 for a pretty piece of paper.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
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:

Well, this thread started close to a month ago, and I am wondering how you are doing, now. It could have been that you had no license number at the places you applied to and it is also true that depending on where you reside, there may be a fight for an LPN to obtain a position in a hospital. I do hope that you found a position by now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care, psychiatric setting.
:cry: im a new lpn grad since 8/01/2008. took my nclex and passed in october. been searching for a job. still cant find any. they give me the same line "we want experienced nurses". I live in PG county in maryland. I even applied at various long term care facility. I dont know what to do. please help.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
:cry: im a new lpn grad since 8/01/2008. took my nclex and passed in october. been searching for a job. still cant find any. they give me the same line "we want experienced nurses". I live in PG county in maryland. I even applied at various long term care facility. I dont know what to do. please help.

I'm currently in VA near Fairfax.

I would suggest trying in VA. Not to sure about the market in DC but everywhere I have been is hiring LPNs.

There are quite a few homes in the VA area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER & Telemetry.

I'm in the same boat. I'm a RN in Florida and have probably applied to 1 thousand jobs in the last 3 months! Still waiting to hear back from the two interviews I did go on. Every place you look at wants you to have at least 1 year of experience! Hello, where are the jobs for new nurses?? :confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

NotAHatPerson, I also live in Boston. I graduated in May, licensed since July, still no job. I have a BSN, three years of tech experience, and $40,000 in student loans. My student loans go into repayment December 22nd. I'm scared to death.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care, psychiatric setting.

stanleyRN2B

thanks for your advise

Up Vote Up Vote ×
stanleyRN2B

thanks for your advise

You are welcome.

If you are looking for some here are a couple:

Arleigh Burke Pavilion/Vinson Hall/TheSylvestery(AL/LTC) in McLean

Powhattan(SNF/LTC) Not sure if it is McLean or Falls Church or Fairfax(It is a couple of blocks from Arleigh Burke)

The Virginian(AL) in Fairfax

Cherrydale(SNF) in Falls Church

Potomac Center(SNF/LTC) in Arlington

Woodbine(SNF/LTC) in Alexandria

Falcon's Landing(AL/LTC) in Ashburn or Sterling

Iliff(SNF/AL) in Fairfax I believe

Burke Rehab Center(SNF/LTC) in Burke

Leewood Nursing Center(SNF/LTC) in Annandale

I am sure there are others that I am not listing but these are the ones I know off of the top of my head.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care, psychiatric setting.

I took all of STANLEYRN2B advise. the only calls i've received, were the ones telling me that they are not currently hiring new grads. my student loan is due in January. I know that the economy has a lot to do with this. im even thinking of relocating.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am sorry no one is returning your calls or saying they are not hiring. I think part of the problem is also the time of year. Our facility is not hiring anyone until January for no reason other than it's the end of the year.

I would keep looking. There are a toon of clinics, nursing homes and rehab centers in the area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care, psychiatric setting.

that's what i've been doing. I place at least 5 applications daily. im going to re-apply at those places you posted. thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes i agree with everyone! No jobs for New Grads! i graduated in May 08 with and ADN and couldnt find a job till oct and it was a LTC. Applied all over the place got interviews and either they never called back or they said they needed experiance! well hello.....someone had to hire me for that! Then i'm getting the LTC doesnt count as experiance for a hospital - this is in Vermont if anyone is interested. Good luck to us all because i get the same thing from people......what gets me is when you hear on the news the so called "nursing shortage" or in the local papers the hospitals saying they are short staffed for nursing but they dont tell you that they dont hire new grads! so frustrating i'm almost sorry i went into nursing because of this. Left a really good paying job to not to be able to find one! urrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion