First job after passing NCLEX-PN HHA

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2012

Been licensed since Mid-April & yes, I know how you feel. I can't tell you how many places I've applied to b/c I've simply lost count:uhoh3: I had a job interview at a detention center last week & I think I got the job lol (filled out w-4, withholding forms, etc..) and now I'm just waiting for the background check to come back. But it's been rough out here! I even tried HH too but once I told them I was a new grad, their demeanor certainly changed. One even told me "Sorry, call me back once you get a yr's experience". Seriously?? Once I do get a yr's experience, you'll be the LAST to know lol !

VanessaLovesNursing · Jun 6, 2012

Congrats on getting the job! I'm sure as long as your background clears out you're hired. They had me flll out all the new hire paperwork today at the home health agency. And afterwards told me to go get the background check done.

Get the experience you can while working at the jail and when you hit 6 months at least try applying to other places.

Good luck :)

Alikatz · Jun 6, 2012

Most HH agencies do want the 1 year minimum experience as you're going out on your own. They could have worded it a bit differently though as that wasn't very professional. I know that a few of my fellow RN students that came into our second year as LPN's who all worked at Long Term Care facilities or Clinics. When I talked to them they mentioned going into their jobs without any experience of course. So not every place will require you to have a year's experience (except HH usually) because you somehow have to start somewhere right?! It probably depends on what area you live in as well. Around where I live most of the hospitals do not hire LPN's to work in their facilities (fazed them out), however they do hire them to work in affiliated clinics and such. This also depends on the hospital of course because there are still places out there that do hire in that setting! I am glad you landed a job, major congrats!! If it isn't your ideal/dream job, just keep at it until an opportunity comes up where you can get into a job you'll truly love. Never give up and take in as much as possible from this new job, where you can gain valuable experience and knowledge! :)

Aongroup1990, CNA · Jun 6, 2012

Congrats Wow.... you are very lucky to even have a job in health care...

bigtim · Jun 6, 2012

LPN LVN can get a job easily in California. I know that for a fact.

Its just the places that hire is limited to just Long Term Care facilities.

I worked as an LVN at a nursing home, then referred 5 other classmates to the same nursing home. They all got hired. The application online says for 1 year experience. All 6 of us were new grads. The difference? We went in and handed in our applications in person.

With the rate of LVNs becoming RNs, nursing homes are having a tough time keeping LVNs for longer than a year. The nursing home practically begged me to stay and work there as an RN.

The only chance of LVNs getting a job in a hospital? The nursing manager is BFF with you.

VanessaLovesNursing · Jun 7, 2012

That's true too. Guess it really does depend on who you know rather than what you know

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2012

Guess it really does depend on who you know rather than what you know

Exactly. It's pretty sad that it's come to that. But I guess that means it's time for us to network!