Graduated 3rd in class, 25 years as LPN, still LPN

LittleCandles · Apr 7, 2015

I've heard that after you transition from LPN to RN you're considered a new nurse again. Seems pretty silly but it is what it is. Could you maybe apply at nursing homes as a RN to gain experience or get some money until you get a hospital job?

Any nursing job is better than no nursing job.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 7, 2015

So then tell them about your clinical rotations, right? And definitely have your friend introduce you to people on the units! I would think you would be a great catch with LPN experience as well as your BSN now although don't get too plumped up over your class ranking as it is unlikely to mean much to anyone other than you and your Mom.

On a side note I remember going to a job fair as a LPN. I have always had awesome business suits, I presented well and was descended on like a locust swarm until they found out I was "only a LPN". I was furious but accepted it was the way of the times in a major medical center and kept working toward my RN. Once I got my ADN the world was my oyster. Back in the day anyway. :)

Good luck!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

I've heard that after you transition from LPN to RN you're considered a new nurse again. Seems pretty silly but it is what it is. Could you maybe apply at nursing homes as a RN to gain experience or get some money until you get a hospital job?
Any nursing job is better than no nursing job.

THIS.

And it IS like being a new nurse again; transitioning into the role of an RN can be a steep learning curve; after the first two years then you can bridge the gap between your experiences and go from there.

Network with your friend and go to that job fair; ask what they are looking for and try to establish contact with recruiters; even establish a LinkedIn account and network from there as well.

Best wishes.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

As an LPN I got any job I ever applied for and make at least 5 dollars more per hour than what local hospitals are paying.

I worked as an LVN four years before earning the ASN degree and RN license in 2010. It was dispiriting to go from an experienced LVN to a new grad RN. In addition, the offers I received as a new grad RN were less than what I had been earning as an LVN with four years of experience.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

Yes, that is the truth, unfortunately. All that you described counts as nothing in regards to your first RN job. Or almost nothing.

I would be careful with advise "any nursing job is better than nothing" if you aim high for your future. For CRNA school, you will need a year or more bedside ICU nursing, and so-called ICU in rural hospital with two beds won't go. There are some stories everywhere about people making their ways from SNF to ICU but it apparently takes years for them. You may be an excellent nurse and first in your class, but as a nurse of 25 years you probably now already that ageism is alive and well in nursing.

Absolutely ask your friend, and friends of that friend, and your every other connection, for help, because if you plan for high-level Master's program, you need acute care experience. If you find something outside acute care, you will probably want to continue job search till you get acute care position.

Gimmeabedpan · May 13, 2015

I thought I'd update for anyone following this. I went to the job fair and got an interview, then panel interview, manager interview and got hired to a Telemetry floor. It's not where I wanted to start but it's perfect to figure out the system, charting etc.

It's funny though that the system I submitted all my applications to has still never contacted me once. One of those positions was closely related to my experience. I was treated for CA in that system 7 years ago with cure so I wonder if they look at that.

Oh oh well I have a job!!