Getting frustrated finding the right job.....

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I am really getting frustrated with being an LPN! No disrespect to my fellow and elder LPN's, but I can't find a job worth a flying &^%$! I can't find anything within an hour of my house. All of the nursing jobs I see are for RN's. All of the LPN jobs where I live are for LTC, or nurses with 2+ years nursing experince. I only have a couple of mos. experience, and I realize that doesn't help... but I'm getting so depressed. I've tried LTC, but it's not for me. I know nursing isn't easy, and I love to be a hard worker, I just can't seem to find a descent job that suits my needs. I just recently got hired as an urgent care office nurse (LPN), and I already HATE IT! My dream job turned into a nightmare.... :crying2: It's an hour and 14 min. from my house, but I was willing to make the drive if I liked the place. I had been wanting to find a part time after hours clinic that kind of worked with my family life, and I thought this was the one for me. I'm a mom & have two kids, so I wanna be with them as much as I can. When I took this job, the nurse supervisor acted like it was just perfect for my needs. She said "Oh, this would be great for you! The office staff are friendly, willing to train you slowly, and the hours are great." Well, the hours aren't great. We end up working an hour to 2 hours over every shift, half of the nurses are horribly hateful to me where I'm new, we are seeing over 120 pts. a day, and we only get a 30 min. lunch. You can't even sit long enough to chart. :sniff: Most of the staff seem like they're getting annoyed with me asking for help where I'm new. I just wish I could find something a little closer to home w/ better hours. I'm working from 10 am - 9:30 pm on average. I'm supposed to work 10 am - 8:00 pm. I also realize that as nurses you have to stay back some time... but this place is under staffed too... it's exhausting. Sorry had to vent. Any similar LPN stories? I wish I'd went on to get my RN sometimes. I'm thinking of doing an online RN program, but have no idea how to pay for it.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care, Palliative Care.

Unfortunately, for most of us LPNs, Long Term Care is the only option. Most hospitals are not hiring LPNs. Since you're planning on going back to school, stick with the LTC facilities closer to your home. You may hate the type of work, but that seems to be the only option in alot of areas for LPNs, until you have your RN! Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Those are horrible hours and on top of that a 2 hour drive. If you are serious about becoming a RN then you need to sacrifice and work in LTC until you get your degree. Hospitals are not hiring LPNs anymore and from the looks of it, New grad RNs are having a hard time finding jobs.

I became a LPN in Sept 2007 and immediatly enrolled in Excelsior College. I got my RN degree through them in 1 yr and did not have to step a foot in the classroom or do clinicals. If your state accepts them, its defintely worth looking into if getting your RN is a priority.

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Specializes in LTC, Neurology, Rehab, Pain Management,.

Sometimes you have to "bite the bullet," so to speak. LTC can be very rewarding, albiet hard work and challenging at the same time. Could you work part-term LTC while taking classes for your RN? Do you have a supportive family that could help with the kids while you work and/or go to school for your RN? A lot to juggle and think about, but you do have options. You might have to work something you don't like, to get experience and a good knowlege base. I've written in another post how I feel like I'm in prison at work because of my nurse manager. I'm a survivor and I can overcome anything, since I need to stick this out for a few more years.

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I appreciate everyone's comments... Another problem I have is that I live in VA. They just recently changed their nursing board laws on what online RN colleges they accept. They only accept a few. The only one they accept that works for me is Indiana state university, and it's EXSPENSIVE. Anyone know how hard it is to get in to? Do they accept all LPN's that apply? Or do they only take so many? I was interested in their LPN to RN bridge....

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