How to get employment as a new grad RN when you are an experienced LPN

[tuismomma]

It seems as though experience as an LPN does not count much when you are a new graduate RN. I am having just as much trouble getting a job as an inexperienced RN. I had a prn position at my local hospital as an LPN for 3 yrs, but once i finished school(because they financed this bridge program) I was to start full time with a 3 yr commitment. There were no open RN positions on my shift once I finished school. My pay as an LPN (prn no benefits) was $16.00/hr once I got my RN they offered me $20.95/hr with benefits. I have 19 yrs of med surg experience and have been there for the past 3 years. So guess what, I am job hunting while waiting for them to find placement for me. I graduated in Dec 2009. My 19 yrs of med surg experience has not helped me get a job. I am being told I need 1 yr clinical experience as an RN. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am currently in Louisiana, but willing to move to Houston, San Antonio or Corpus Christi, TX.

[LPN_2005/RN_10]

I'm in the same position as you-->an RN still working as an LPN. I didn't get any job offers yet, but got a couple of interviews. What helped me get those interviews was a professional resume writing service I've enlisted for help. The resume writer was able to write my resume in a way to highlight my skills and give the impression that I have enough clinical skills to at least be considered for an RN position. Don't give up! There will be at least one employer that is willing to hire you, especially with 19 years of med-surg experience!

[Dorito, ASN, RN]

Maybe I'm confused but it sounds as if they offered you a job with about a $4.00 increase in wages in addition to benefits. Initially when I graduated as an GN from an LPN position I actually was at the top of my wage and took a .50 cent cut in pay to start! After I passed my boards they increased my wages a little but it wasn't $4.00 an hour. I think I'd take the position and maybe work there awhile to get the experience. In the meantime you can keep looking while enjoying some benefits.

[tuismomma]

No, I was told that my pay would be $20.95 which is what they would pay new grad RN's but because I was already employed there and went thru the bridge program I was suppose to be given credit for my yrs of experience (9.5 or 10 yrs as an RN) so my pay was suppose to be more. Most Lpn are making $18.00/hr with benefits(I found out after inquiring about the salary) that's besides the point , when it came time for me to transfer into the RN role there were no open Rn positions available.I was never offered a position. They are trying to find placement for me. While waiting I have been job hunting to no avail they want experienced RN's.