Is there better nursing opportunities for Non-Experienced LPN's in Kansas?

heathert_kc · Jan 19, 2011

Yeah that first job is always the toughest to get. The problem is very few hospitals in the area utilize LPNs in any real capacity and clinics would just as well prefer a medical assistant for most tasks (V/S, rooming patients, clerical work, etc) because they can do phlebotomy and you can't plus they will be satisfied with less money, then hire very few nurses to handle things like phone triage and more skilled tasks. Because most clinics hire a relatively small number of nurses they would naturally be hesitant to hire someone with absolutely no experience. It's not fair but that is just the way it is. With the economy being in an overall downward trend in recent years, it is an employers market. Despite the (THE GREATLY OVERSTATED) "Nusring shortage", most of us, new and old nurses alike, are simply greatful to have gainful employment.

You have to look at all of your options out there and not turn your nose up at a position just because it is not your dream job. LPNs are by far, more commonly employed in long term care facilities, jails, home health, assisted living and hospice, than clinics and hospitals. I worked in a prison for 6 months before I found my ideal job. I learned a lot there, we were allowed to take blood, responded to emergencies, administered meds, chart of patients, assist the physician, etc. Plus I had something to put on my resume, made significantly more than even experienced LPNs make in doctor's offices, and I have got interesting stories to tell. Those same types of 'quality' jobs are in short supply over here too, last I heard any way. Without experience or some other way to get your foot in the door (like previously working at saint lukes as a tech, then filling an internal app for a clinic job) the outlook is bleek.