Can't find work :(

NurseQT · Mar 29, 2014

I don't have any suggestions for you unfortunately, all I can say is that I feel your pain... I've been unemployed since Sept. I have over 10 years experience but the problem for me isn't that no one will hire me, it's that there just aren't any jobs for LPNs in my area... I've even applied for nonlicensed positions to no avail! I finally have an interview coming up on Tuesday...

I don't know why every facility now only wants to hire nurses with some experience, I had job offers before I even graduated...

lemore · Mar 29, 2014

I don't have any suggestions for you unfortunately, all I can say is that I feel your pain... I've been unemployed since Sept. I have over 10 years experience but the problem for me isn't that no one will hire me, it's that there just aren't any jobs for LPNs in my area... I've even applied for nonlicensed positions to no avail! I finally have an interview coming up on Tuesday...
I don't know why every facility now only wants to hire nurses with some experience, I had job offers before I even graduated...

Well good luck on ur interview. Hope all goes well

mfigueroa22 · Mar 29, 2014

I took my N-CLEX September 2013. Stopped at 85 questions and got results 4 weeks later. I passed. Got my license 1st week of December. Been looking for work ever since. I apply to at least 30 jobs a week. All over the place. But no one wants a new grad. Every one asks for 1 year experience. How can I get any experience if no one will hire me. Wish it was easier. Any suggestions????

What state do you live in?

lemore · Mar 29, 2014

What state do you live in?

I live in Palmdale, CA

mfigueroa22 · Mar 30, 2014

I live in Palmdale CA[/quote']
Yea I think it just depends on the job marker where you live, I haven't graduated yet but I feel pretty confident that I will find work in my area. I'm in North Carolina and there always seems to be jobs available. Plus idk about CA but they are starting to hire LPN 's back at the hospitals now . For a while they kind of phased the LPN's out but they are starting to make a comeback in the hospital setting. But good luck finding work and don't give up. Also they have programs at my hospital to help new grads to get a job, it's like a paid internship type of thing and after the 6 months is up if they like you they will hirer you. But just keep us posted on how things go.

k_eighteen · Mar 30, 2014

Do walk ins because there is a bigger chance that you will be interviewed right away. I live in the Bay Area, I'm a new grad and I have two jobs both in LTC. They offered me the job right away. You just have to be nice and always smile tell them that you are willing to learn. LTC's needs a lot of LPN's because they need someone who will cover if someone calls in and nurses come and go in LTC's when they found a better job.

CaliBoy760 · Mar 30, 2014

Have you ever considered prison work? There is a CDCR facility in Lancaster that I occasionally get emails from about openings. You need to register at the CDCR website and take an online assessment test, then they'll send you openings as they come available.

lemore · Mar 30, 2014

Have you ever considered prison work? There is a CDCR facility in Lancaster that I occasionally get emails from about openings. You need to register at the CDCR website and take an online assessment test, then they'll send you openings as they come available.

Yes I be heard about the prison. But they are extremely strict on having at least 1 year experience. Which I don't have. But I will go online and do the assessment. I wasn't aware there was one. Thanks a lot

BellaRose4281, RN · Mar 30, 2014

Have you tried home health or hospice? I've heard of some new grads getting jobs there. I live in Santa Clarita so I'm not too far from you. I'm graduating in June and I'm nervous about not being able to find a job. It's tough out here. Have you tried the VA or Facey?

ktwlpn, LPN · Mar 30, 2014

I did very well doing private duty. It was really paid companionship for wealthy people but I was making as much an hour as I ever did working full time. My family physician referred me and I was well on the way to building up a pretty steady client base through referrals from my clients when I went back to work full time.

I did ADL's, light housework or laundry for some clients, drove them to appointments (from physician's appts to the hairdressers or grocery store) walked the dog, planted flowers in the window boxes, anything within reason.I was even a doula for a few weeks.

My car insurance covered my driving and I was working on getting bonded before I gave it up. I truly did not do much actual nursing but I was ok with that.

I admit I was a little picky when it came to accepting gigs-I was lucky enough to start out working for a very wealthy family and made most of my connections through them. I worked in some gorgeous clean houses in wonderful neighborhoods and if I was treated fairly I kept coming back,if not, I walked. It was a wonderful thing. Depending upon your location you can build yourself a nice little business. There are so many older, infirm folks in my community who need a little help for a few hours a day a few times a week. Transportation is very hard for them in my area.

I drew up a contract and held them to it.

Good Luck