I am SO Depressed....

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

Nothing is wrong with you. You are not the problem.

The California job market is the problem due to many factors. (1) Too many LVNs, which leads to an overly saturated employment pool (2) Not enough jobs for every LVN who wants to work (3) Trade schools and adult education centers that continue to churn out new LVNs into the job market every few months when there's reduced demand (4) Hospitals closing, dealing with low census, or shutting down units, which further reduces the jobs available (5) Reduced demand from healthcare consumers; unemployed people tend to be uninsured, so they're not seeking healthcare unless it's an absolute emergency. California's unemployment rate, at over 11 percent, is one of the highest in the country.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

Go to flushotusa.com I already applied. If they ask you if you have experience doing injections, SAY YES! You did it in nursing school, so all you have to say is "I've done injections before" It is only temporary but it's something to get you started. Then keep looking to find a place that is willing to hire you. Good Luck

Coloradogrl · Aug 22, 2009

Move out of CA THere are lots of jobs in other states I have several friends that have finished in the last 2 yrs here in Colorado and have had several job offers to pick from and also 2 of them have moved to Texas(DFW) and their pick of several jobs and they were all new grads

LAVINIALPN · Aug 22, 2009

Hello. have you tried an agency I live in NY and even before I recieved my license I was hired from an agency. But look into them before you go as a new LPN you need training and not just thrown into the fire. good luck !!! :nurse:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 23, 2009

Go to flushotusa.com I already applied. If they ask you if you have experience doing injections, SAY YES! You did it in nursing school, so all you have to say is "I've done injections before" It is only temporary but it's something to get you started. Then keep looking to find a place that is willing to hire you. Good Luck

I would also say to try Mollen, but please investigate one thing...contact the BON in your area and see if LVNs in your area are allowed to administer flu vaccines under standard orders versus patient specific orders.

The difference is this: Standard orders in this case means that the patient has not been seen by a physician, so, you are acting based on the screening questions answered by the patient. Basically, this is an assessment, a priviledge that is assigned to an RN (at least in New York).

Patient specific orders: A licensed provider such as a physician, physician assistant, dentist, nurse practitioner, etc... writes an order for a specific patient to receive something ie: Jane Doe to receive Influenza 0.5mL IM. That provider has already assessed this person. Now, of course, in the real world, the chances are strong that the provider may not have even asked for allergies, but, as a nurse, before you administer you can ask, and if the patient says they do, then, you take it back to the doctor and report it to them, then, they decide. But, the order covers you.

I also did flu shots for the first two years after getting my license and did not know this. Something occurred where I had to email the BON to inquire about an unrelated issue, and then, this came up. Many times, these flu clinics send LPNs alone, and if the patient experiences a reaction, they are supposed to provide you with epinepherine to counteract anaplylxis and send them to the ER. Also, usually, an incident report has to be written. What would this mean to you if this reached the state and they deemed that you had no business being there without an RN to countersign?

I am about to do the on line orientation for Mollen in a few hours, and if I see that there is no RN provided, nor is there a patient specific doctor's order, I am not doing it. I did witness a patient react to a flu shot (not given by me, thank goodness), but we were in a supermarket, the nurse gave the shot and the patient's arm blew up. We got ice, placed it in towels and rubbed her arm while calling 911, but, being a new nurse, I would not have known even that much.

I don't say this to scare the OP or anyone else, but, we have to be careful. The difference between doing this in a facility versus out in any public area is that at least at the hospital, there is backup. If you are doing this in the street, you are on your own. And, most BONs say that ignorance is no excuse. I found this out by the skin of my teeth.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2009

You have provided some valuable information and I was aware of the standard and patient orders but never thought about it in this type of setting. Thank you for that information. Maybe you should copy and paste what you just wrote and start a new thread about the flu shot clinic. I've heard a lot of people talking about doing the flu shot clinic and I think this informaton will be very helpful to everyone. Thank you.

Let me know how the one hour orientation goes, when I called Mollen I was told that my paperwork was still in the payroll and that once it's finalized there that I would get my email regarding orientation.

Thanks again Pagandeva

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2009

I've already emailed the California BVNPT for a definate answer for California residents. Hopefully I will get a response soon. When I email them with my questions the turn around time is usually 48-72 hours, not bad considering they're always so busy. I will let you guys know as soon as I get an answer. Thanks again Pagandeva for the heads up!

BigRussKCMO · Aug 23, 2009

Think of it as an opportunity to further your schooling. That's not a bad thing

saintplatypus · Aug 27, 2009

That's crazy! In Indiana where I live, every facility I have worked has hired new grads, welcoming them with open arms. In fact, where I work now has hired around 6 new grads in the past couple months. I can't say why you are having so much difficulty, however don't give up. Try LTCs first, in my experience they are most apt to hire new grads. Doctor's offices and clinics often hire new grads. Schools and prisons may be willing as well.

Good Luck and Keep On Keepin On

graygirl · May 24, 2012

Hi! I was wondering, were you able to get a response from BVNPT? Thank you!