Depressed LVN

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 27, 2015

Can you move out of California?

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jul 27, 2015

The market in northern CA has proven itself to be good for me and my classmates as new grad lvns. Snfs, clinics, assisted living, psych were areas in which I and my classmates found work. Pay ranged from 16-29/hr. Typical being low 20s.

By north, I mean the capital region, not the Bay and not HumboldtðŸ˜‰

imaLvn2 · Jul 29, 2015

Are you keeping your options open? When I say options open, I mean to any place including snf? But don't be discouraged. It took me about 5 months before I landed my first job. Think positive and continue to apply. You can also try walking/going in to facilities to apply. Sometimes, that helps, too. Keep your chin up. Someone will give you a chance.

xxMichelleJxx · Jul 29, 2015

I graduated Nursing school in Aug 2013 and took my nclex Feb 2014. I passed nclex the first try and have had my License until now without a job. I live in Long Beach, CA and I apply everywhere. I fear my License will expire before I even get a job. HELP! Did I waste my money? I'm paying students loans on a career I feel isn't worth it. I'm so discouraged, I have a great heart and I am smart. I know I will make a good nurse if someone just gives me a chance. I apply everywhere, I spend countless hours at the library applying and I am just getting more discouraged by the day.

Hi! I'm sorry that you've been having difficulty in your job search. I agree with the previous poster. Are you keeping your options open? Or are you only applying to positions that interest you? I know everyone has that "dream" nursing job that they want. Unfortunately, obtaining that position as a new grad can be difficult. You should keep your options open and apply everywhere. From my experience here in NY, LPNs are usually hired in LTC facilities (Nursing Homes). Have you tried applying there? Also, try to print out your resume and cover letter and go to the nursing homes around your area and ask to fill an application out. Some may say that you need to fill it out online; although others will let you fill it out.

Also, have you looked into volunteering? Have you looked into nurse externship programs? These can all help to boost your resume. Also, on your resume as a new nurse, you should include your clinical rotations on it since that is hands on patient care experience you have. I would be more than willing to look over your resume for you if you would like.

You should use all the job search websites to apply. Apply using the following sites: CareerBuilder, Monster, Craigslist, Indeed, Jobs.com, Linkedin, AllNurses (they have a job section on the top right hand corner). Apply everywhere, even in positions that don't really interest you so much. Its really important to begin working and gaining experience as a LPN so that you can have it on your resume. Once you have actual working experience, it will be a bit more easier to find a job. Also, when submitting your application; make sure you have a very good cover letter to go along with it.

Good luck on your job search! I wish you all the best!

nursefromcali · Jul 29, 2015

Try revised your resume or let some one overlook it. Sometimes 1st step in interview is a impressive resume and powerful and tons of applications whether online or online application.

joha · Jul 31, 2015

Hey Depressed Nurse

I too am from long beach Ca

I took the Nclex yesterday and I got the good pop up so I am hoping this means I passed

About your situation I was just on indeed.com and there were a few options to try and apply to

Also consider traveling if this is an option such as surrounding cities

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2015

Are you keeping your options open? When I say options open, I mean to any place including snf?

SNFs/nursing homes in LA & Long Beach (the OP's location) have been requiring one year of experience for the past few years. There are consequences to remaining in an area that is saturated with too many nurses, and not being able to find a job is one of them.

sr20alex · Aug 3, 2015

HI there. I was in the same state you were. I was 6 months in after I gotten my license and still no job where as my classmates were all working already. BUT I was volunteering at an acute facility for a 2 years already. I've applied to multiple places and they all wanted a year experience. All of a sudden the boss at the place I was volunteering told me to apply for the job they just posted and got hired 2 days later. Volunteering is a great way to build connections and potentially get you that job you need.

strawberryflds · Aug 3, 2015

Contact some of your classmates that are currently employed as nurses. Coming from the west coast I know that you sometimes need an "in" and I had to get two of my classmates jobs after we got out of school. Call and follow up on your applications too.

CocoaLoverFNP · Aug 3, 2015

Contact some of your classmates that are currently employed as nurses. Coming from the west coast I know that you sometimes need an "in" and I had to get two of my classmates jobs after we got out of school. Call and follow up on your applications too.

This post is true!

This may only work with NP positions but after about 20 applications, I finally got a full time NP job through networking with my other NP friends.

Other posters are right, someone will give you a chance... Just don't give up!

cockadoodie · Aug 3, 2015

for LTC apply on mondays or tuesdays in person. dress nice and be friendly to the receptionist. when the DON arrives back from her weekend she finds a pile of incident reports, family complaints and whatever else went wrong while she was gone.she/he may decide the facility really does need more staff or that the person who called out yet again needs to go at last. hey, it worked for me a few times good luck.