I Just Lost My First LPN Job

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Specializes in Ltc, Acute Care, Rehab.

It took me almost 6 months to find a job as a LPN after passing the nclex. I was let go from a LTC facility after 3 weeks of orientation (there is a 90 day probation period). What sealed my fate was a nurse called out and I was thrown on a hall with 30 plus patients who I knew nothing about and it took me 4 hours to pass meds. I was told I was not fast enough!!! I was completely overwhelmed with no support system or anyone trying to help me. My former employer (supervisor) has offered to give me a reference because they feel that I am capable of being a good nurse but LTC is definitely not a good fit for me, but something at a slower pace such as home health or something else.... So discouraged right now, its hard for new grads. Should I even bother putting them on my resume....???? Should I use them as a reference???? Where else can LPN's work .... Any advice would be great!!!!

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It took me almost 6 months to find a job as a LPN after passing the nclex. I was let go from a LTC facility after 3 weeks of orientation (there is a 90 day probation period). What sealed my fate was a nurse called out and I was thrown on a hall with 30 plus patients who I knew nothing about and it took me 4 hours to pass meds. I was told I was not fast enough!!! I was completely overwhelmed with no support system or anyone trying to help me. My former employer (supervisor) has offered to give me a reference because they feel that I am capable of being a good nurse but LTC is definitely not a good fit for me but something at a slower pace such as home health or something else.... So discouraged right now, its hard for new grads. Should I even bother putting them on my resume....???? Should I use them as a reference???? Where else can LPN's work .... Any advice would be great!!!![/quote']

Yea do not be discouraged. I would use them as a reference especially bc they said they think your a good nurse. The only thing that's iffy is that u only worked there 3 weeks so on second thought I'm not sure if u should put them. Maybe another poster can advise u on that. And U can apply for home health or a drs office. I think home health may be good for u if u do work at a slower pace. U determine your schedule and times u spend with the pts. Home health will hire without experience as well. Start filling out apps in person if u can dress professional. Follow up on the apps send thank you's after the interviews and be confident when u get an interview. If u do not have confidence they will see that and lose confidence in hiring u

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i wouldnt put them down. probationary period is a trial period.

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Dont be discourage sometime being a new grad it's hard to be fast at things specially if you never worked at a fast pace environment in the past... Apply to other places...home health good choice slower and then you be find yourself as a nurse and what your capable of doing. Good luck!!!

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Keep your head up.....there are other opportunities out there. To gain some experience I am working at an Assisted Living Facility. Do you have any in your area? I would also apply there.

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Specializes in Ltc, Acute Care, Rehab.

Thanks so much for the words of support and encouragement. I was feeling really down, but I am going to keep pressing foward. I worked too hard to become a nurse and I know someone out there will give me a chance. I have just come to the realization that LTC is not for me at all. I can make a difference in another area in nursing!! Hopefully something will come through soon:)

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I understand that type of situation, it does not mean that LTC is not for you. You are a new Grad and combined with not knowing your residents its no wonder that it took you so long to pass meds. Dont beat yourself up over this, last night at work I was talking to an experienced Nurse who refused a hall because she didnt know the residents and felt uncomfortable with it. I have been having that happen to me a lot lately. I got to know 2 halls really well and now they switched me over to halls I dont know. I relied on the CNA's to tell me who my residents were during med pass. Everything went fine, but it was very stressful.

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I would! I would also state exactly what they did....tell your prospective employer that a 30 patient load is just TOO much! I don't think that's quite a fair assessment of your abilities, and they should appreciate your honesty.

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Bn new and not knowing the residents and their medications os going to make u a little slow w passing meds. 30 pts might b a little much just starting out. Based on one day of med passing is not enough time to judge ur work. N a few weeks time u will get faster and and faster. U will begin to even memorize who takes what and how lk second nature.

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Specializes in Ltc, Acute Care, Rehab.

I am happy to report that I have a new job!!! I am starting Monday in a psychiatric child/adolescent facility. I am so grateful after all the prayers, time, and effort in putting in applications it has paid off!!! What's so crazy about this is I always said while I was in nursing school that I wanted to do psychiatric nursing it was my first choice but no one wanted to give me a chance as a new grad. So grateful to have landed a job and looking foward to starting orientation!!!!:)

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

I am sorry you went through that! Now, I will not lie- I have thrown a newer nurse out on the floor when someone called out- HOWEVER, I did not hold any mistakes against them, especially time compliance. It took me almost a year before I felt truly comfortable as a new LPN. I cannot believe they would let you go for that!!! Everyone deserves a chance and a warm up period. Now, that period of course can't last forever. I hope things work out for you!

Now, judging by your last post I think it was a godsend, obviously you were meant for this other offer, so CONGRATS!!! Just remember to use your lifelines, BE COMMUNICATIVE with your supervisors - do not hold back questions or concerns, and be inquisitive!

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Wow. I think they were really wrong to hold that against you.

But....

You know the saying...when God closes a door he opens a window.

Girl, I think he just did that for you!!

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