I failed my LVN boards. Gotta try again.

[S-Rank]

So I took my boards and failed. Really depressed right now but I know I gotta try again. In the meantime does any one recommend any jobs I should be taking while I wait to take my boards again. I need some income but at the same time I want to keep my skills sharp. I am thinking some kind of hospital job so at least later I can apply for an LVN position once I do pass. Anyone who has been or is in the same boat as I am please respond.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I can determine that you are located in southern California due to your previous posts. Unfortunately, southern CA is home to one of the worst job markets in the nation for healthcare workers at this time (new and experienced alike). It has been this way since the financial meltdown on Wall Street occurred in 2008. New RNs in the local area have it pretty bad, but newly graduated LVNs are in a worse position since more than 100 private LVN programs are producing new nurses every three months when the demand is anemic.

Do you have a CNA certificate? If not, I would apply for other entry-level hospital jobs such as dietary aide, environmental services (a.k.a. housekeeping), rehab tech, etc. These positions, if available, will get your foot into the door of a hospital. However, the southern CA market for new grad LVNs is virtually nonexistent in hospitals, so be open to other specialties such as home health, private duty, long term care, rehab/SNF, and so forth. Good luck to you!

[jocelynb]

There are many prep classes that you can take to help prepare you to pass the NCLEX-PN. I googled Live PN prep classes and found Sylvia Rayfield and Associates and attended their live review and passed on the first try. Good luck!

[S-Rank]

thanks jocelynb. I actually signed up for Kaplan. $275 plus a $50 enrollment fee with books and materials and 3 months of access to more information is well worth it. plus they have all these free webinars and in person classes you can attend. I attended the classroom review and it was well worth it. I am feeling a lot more confidence, so thanks for the kind words.

[caliotter3]

Concentrate on your next attempt, then consider working as a CNA after that if you are not successful again. But, work hard, and we hope you pass! Good luck.

[S-Rank]

thanks for the positive words otter. Luckily I work for a Laboratory/Radiology company that services 90% of the nursing facilities here in southern California as well as San Diego, Northern California, and Arizona and we have a an Infection Control, Quality Assurance, and many other departments related to nursing. But I will make sure to find a position working with patients. Thanks