Frustrated LPN

U.S.A. Florida

Published

I graduated from a very well known LPN school in my area, passed with flying colors, one of the higest grades in my class, excelled in clinicals. i took my nclex just 6 weeks after graduation in July of LAST YEAR and I still have not been able to find a single job! nothing! nada! zilch! i feel like i've filled out hundreds of applications. been to two interviews. had countless phone interviews and they all tell me the same thing... "the position requires someone with a minimum of one year experience"... I'm luckily attending RN school and hopefully graduating next December, but I still want/need a part time job. I got so desperate for work I went back to work as a veterinary technician part time. I spent all kinds of money, took out loans, stressed my life, got a nursing license and now I have nothing to show for it. It seems like most of the other LPN's in my RN program are employed or have been employed at some point as an LPN. Could it just be me??? It also seems like those who got jobs have a family member in the biz. I don't. How can I get experience if no one is willing to give a new grad a chance! I even tried applying as a PCA or CNA to get my foot in the door and because i dont have THAT particular certificate, i've been turned down:eek: i thought an LPN lisence would trump that. I'm wondering if finding an RN position is going to be this way...?? I'm Begining to second guess my career move. I love nursing, i really do:redpinkhe, and i really want it to work. is it a possibility????

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Challenge the state boards for that cna certificate and then maybe you can get your foot in the door that way?

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I can only imagine how frustrated you must be! Have you tried speaking with some of your classmates to see if you can get a position at one of their facilities?

Also, during your RN clinical rotations, try to network with everyone that you come across. Make a good impression and try to stand out. This can possibly help you during your RN job search.

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Specializes in ltc , rehab ortho geripsych,mds ,subacut.

socail networking,revise resume to include efficent time management,learn mds system, reccomendations personal references of former clinical instructors, nurses other lpns who have worked for years may refer you also, hairsstyle and appearance consevative clothing when physically being present at a employment interview are extrememly important ,eg as per friend of mine who is hr for years states perspective employyee with excessive makeup,jewelery,fingernail,polish hairstyles for the club not the job can be put offs keep consevative and good luck to you,

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Thanks guys for your responses! Student Forever... Unfortunately, that costs money, but I have given that some thought. Gaga4googoos... I have been networking; one girl's mother works for a prison, but as desperate as I am, I just don't feel that I'm cut out for that kind of work. The good news is that I found a connection to a pediatric extended care facility and I actually have an interview coming up Tuesday the 15th :-) THE KAT... I am not one to go clubbing, lol! I always wear a suit and mild amount of body splash at interviews. I'm actually concerned that I may be too underdressed at times. I don't normally wear nail polish or make up, so when I do I'm concerned that I may not be applying it correctly. This time around, I'm having my mother (a businesswoman) and a friend (a school teacher) help me choose an outfit and apply makeup and accessories :-)

Thanks again everyone for your replies

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I think I would place finding a job as a higher priority then finishing the RN. You will be cutting yourself out of the jobs that only take LPN's by finishing the degree (i.e. outpatient clinics, MD office, nursing homes). And I think the jobs you are cutting out might be better than the only job that you can get as a new RN (i.e. inpatient floor nurse). But thats my two cents, you have to decide for yourself.

P.S. - if you want a place that should have some LPN openings I would check out Apalachee Center in Tallahassee. Its Psych, not super hard, and better paying then some areas. And they do have RN positions as well if you ever wanted to move up.

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Specializes in no experience.

I can understand exactly how u feel. I am a new graduate as well

Have u tried at any home health agencies???

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