How is a new graduate suppose to get experience?

arciedee · Feb 20, 2007

Have you contacted your school at all? They probably receive a lot of recruitment information from potential employers interested in new grads. I would get in touch with them and see if they can help you.

Good luck!

struggling_student · Feb 20, 2007

The school is of no help.

xt1 · Feb 21, 2007

Its just a numbers game. say for every 10 places you place your resume 3 will consider you 1 will actually call you for an interview. The fax machine is your friend... Fax your resume to EVERYONE! get as many offers as possible and then you hold some bargaining power.

moongirl · Feb 21, 2007

does your area do job fairs/recruitments?

I know that several of my classmates were offrered jobs when they went to the NSNA conference last year

meither · Jul 11, 2008

I am frustrated to see that too. They always say they need two years experience in work for women's health (postpartum). Anyway, if I were you , I would go ahead and apply for any job that you like. Sometimes some jobs say, they will train. And of course, when they said they will train, don't expect them to pay you too much.

Jules A, MSN · Jul 11, 2008

I am surprised that in the DC area you are having trouble getting a LPN postion as a new grad. As we all know LTC is where most of the LPN jobs are and that is where most new grads start. If you haven't been going into the facilities in person to meet the HR person I would try that because it is very important to get face time, imo. Good luck.

HeyHeyitsMaay · Jul 11, 2008

If you went to a school that accepts federal financial aid, they are required, by federal law, to help you find employment. I worked at a school that received what is called title iv funding, that's federal loans and grants..and they will lose their ability to receive student loans if they don't help you search for work. I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but they are obligated to give you that much.

amjowens · Jul 11, 2008

In my area, hospitals hire RNs, and so it's very unlikely (some hospitals don't even hire LPNs here) for an LPN to land a hospital job. Most of my classmates (and myself included) are continuing on to the RN program. It's sad that LPNs aren't currently being given the respect we deserve. Part of one of my classes involved studying about the history of LPNs, and it's pretty scary to think of how laws and roles of LPNs can change so quickly.

I'm going to apply at nursing homes for my first job. It will provide flexiblity and, well, a job.

It seems that opportunities for LPNs are extremely region-specific, so get to know what's happening in your area before just applying everywhere.

FA to CRNA2b · Jul 11, 2008

You're right about LPNs being very region-speicific. My hospital has an all RN staff. The local LTCs seem to have a few RNs and a slew of CNAs. I have no idea where the LPNs are. The LPNs that I have met are military.

Jules A, MSN · Jul 11, 2008

You're right about LPNs being very region-speicific. My hospital has an all RN staff. The local LTCs seem to have a few RNs and a slew of CNAs. I have no idea where the LPNs are. The LPNs that I have met are military.

In the Balto./DC area the jobs are plentiful for LPNs in LTC and the wages are pretty good. My friends started as new grads making low $20s with benefits and $28 per diem.

LuvofNursing, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 29, 2008

The suggestion about attending a Student Nurses' Association conference is great, should you have time and an opportunity to go. There should be a State Nursing Association that would allow you to not travel as far (since NSNA is in Texas in October).