Do you think LPN experience counts for GN positions?

[heavenwith7]

I applied for a GN position at a GN job fair a couple of months ago. Some of my classmates got positions, none of which had any medical experience aside from Nursing school. I've been an LPN for 20 years. I have excellent job & co-worker references. I did not get a position.

I just completed an internship in ICU with a mentor. There are GN positions in this same ICU, many of my classmates have applied, as have I. Two of the nurses from the ICU (one is my mentor) talked to the nurse manager, they said that they would like to see me get the position. So having just finished my internship, having these nurses put in a good word for me, and having 20 years experience in health care, I'm wondering why I'm not getting called. I know they're calling people back for GN positions, I guess they could still call me next week, but I'm thinking it's too late. I don't think I give terrible interviews, I can't figure out what's going on. I feel horrible.

What could I be missing?

Thanks for any insight

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

lpn time does not usually count as rn time, because (without reigniting the whole rn-lpn firestorm here... if anyone else is thinking about it, please don't) they are totally different responsibilities. you will have a short-lived advantage in manipulative skills and some assessment skills, but they are correct in wanting the best rn. that said, your friends' recommendations and your internship may be helpful, as it would for any nursing new grad. good luck!

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

I hate to say it, but if you've been doing that for 20 years , that would put you in the late 30s- 40s range, and we all know that even though it is illegal to age discriminate, its going on all around us( i am in that age range) I would wonder if thats the reason. certainly not personal, so dont feel like you did something wrong. This is why society sucks these days. I hope you get a break soon, and someone doesnt look at age.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

One of my classmates was a LVN for 19 years before becoming a RN...and no, her experience didn't count towards RN experience at all. It was still valuable experience, but it didn't make her eligible for any jobs requiring RN experience. In fact, the facility she worked at as a LVN would not hire her on as a RN without a year's experience: she had to work in home health and LTC to get that year--while still working as a LVN at her current facility--before they'd convert her over.

As far as you...there are many reasons why you might not be getting called, and not all of them have to do with you. Perhaps your classmates knew someone who put a word in for them, or had certifications, experience or skills that you didn't, or were more willing to be flexible with their schedules or specialties, or had slightly better grades, or interviewed a little better than you, or maybe even were just in the right place at the right time. Or maybe the employer decided to go with an internal candidate, or selected someone with more work experience, or the position was cut/downsized for budget reasons.

The point is, you can not control or influence any of the factors I listed. In this economy, you could be doing everything perfectly and still not get the job. So don't necessarily blame yourself because it may not be you.

I know it sucks and it doesn't always seem fair...hell, it's not fair at times, period. There's too many new nurses and not enough jobs for them, and the employers know they have the upper hand and can be as choosy as they like. But all you can do is keep trying. Good luck!