In need for some positive feedback about being an LPN, new nurse not landing a job

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I pass the NCLEX and now in search for a job in south FL, starting to feel frustrated. I was super excided to become a nurse and obsess with passing the test, now that I'm done no one want to give me a chance to prove my self. That really sucks especially if you have no previous medical background. since I need to work, I had to go get another job not healthcare related and I feel miserable because I want to work in my field..

sorry I guess I'm just venting..

How did you Nurses do during that frame.. ?

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Like you, I live in Sunny SOFL. I passed boards last week and have applied to every agency, hospital, and now I'm on to nursing homes. Something has to come up..keep looking and don't get discouraged...Also its a good idea to try and volunteer with hospice so they know you and can give you a good reference. I've heard that working for hospice for about a year and then you are able to transition to to other place. The problem also is that so many people are doing LPN its hard, but once you have your RN it will be much easier to get a job over a new RN.Good Luck and don't give up!

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

Don't give up! I dressed up and went to every nursing home with my resume and one hired me and gave me 4 weeks orientation! That was 8 years ago and I have been working since then. Don't rely on online job postings or newspaper ads. Best of luck to you!

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yep, i know what you mean. i live in NY and passed the nclex in aug. i went from sooo psyched!!! to completely bummed out. applied @ tons of places and no one would touch me being a new grad. some of the ads were so blunt clearly stating in bold print "NO NEW GRADS PLEASE!!!" all the ltc facilities in my area want 1 yr experience. then after pounding the pavement and knocking on every door someone finally gave me a chance. i had to be persistent and keep calling back because their were so many other fish snapping at the line that i almost lost my chance due to orientation spots filling up. and never under estimate the power of networking. my friend got an entry level position based on who she knew. keeping in-touch w/people in the nursing field really helps. but i finally landed a job @ an ltc. been orienting for a week and i'm so happy that i'm really and truly employed as a nurse. keep knocking my dear: someone will answer! :yes: the best of luck to you!

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Hello! It took me a little over a month to find a job. It can take other people a little longer, or a little shorter. Don't be discouraged!

Firstly, even if the posting says it requires one year experience, still apply. Focus on a cover letter, and never apply to a job without one. Make it personalized to the company, and mention that your school and clinicals gave you everything you need to be a successful and devoted nurse. It never hurts to apply. The job I ended up getting had an "Absolutely need 2 years experience in LTC", and I'm a new grad.

Next, Linkedin.com! Once you apply to a company, wait 2 days then run a search on Linkedin to see if the company's HR representative has an account. If he or she does, send them a quick email. Make it short and sweet, thanking them for the opportunity to apply and mention that you'd love to get a chance to work for their company. The hardest part of getting an interview is getting your resume actually seen. Most online job databases filter out 75% of the applicants based on key word searches, etc. If your resume doesn't have the key word they're looking for, the HR department will NEVER see your resume. That is, unless you make contact yourself and they look you up specifically. Network!

Anything you can do to make yourself more appealing, or even interesting, increases your odds of getting an interview. Make your resume merely show that you're qualified. Make your cover letter show who you are as a person. You can get more of yourself across in a cover letter than you can in a resume.

Hope this helps! I know how frustrating it can be finding a job. It can make you doubt yourself so much, but just keep at it and think positive.

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Thank you for your positives feedback everyone, I am working but not nursing related...I will keep up my faith and hopefully everything will fall into place rather sooner than later!

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Specializes in 4.

The best advice I can give you is, if you truly want this then don't allow anyone to make you give up. This is an extremely tough industry & not for the quitters. It took me months to find my 1st LVN job in 2011 & that was doing the vaccination clinics driving over an hour one way. The pay was barely covering my gas but I did it cause I wanted to be a nurse more than anything & nothing yet no one was going to stand in my way. By the way I live in Southern California where there are more nurses than I can even count. I did have medical experience that was over 20 yrs old by the time I graduated nursing school. Fast forward to 2013, I am working at a major hospital as an LVN. Which in my area is unheard of. How did I do it? I allowed no one to stand in my way, I didn't take no for an answer & I applied to every hospital, LTC, etc... Within a 200 mile radius & then some. There were a few hospitals interested in me but I decided to wait a little bit and my instincts were right on. Your success will depend on you & your determination but don't let anyone deter you.

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ok try applying to st catherines...they are hiring also PSA off the palmetto...good luck!

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hi, I just wanted to ask were you able to land a job yet?.. Im in the same situation as you, its very hard. I live in south FLA as well.

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