Just Graduated LPN

luv4nursing · Jan 17, 2008

I also wanted to work in the hospital as an LPN when I graduated, but quickly got discouraged by the lack of LPNs in central FL hospitals. I decided to take a job in peds home health bc it was and easy job that paid decently while I took the LPN to RN bridge. If you see LPN positions at the hospitals, apply and then follow up with HR. Ironically I had applied for a position for the heck of it, and right before I was about to move from Orlando to Tampa, ORMC called me to see if I was still interested. They will hire LPNs sometimes, but they prefer ones with hospital experience. You need to stress that you are continuing you education to be an RN and that will help bc they could retain you as an RN when u graduate. If you get an interview, make sure u really impress them. Good luck!

Thedreamer · Jan 17, 2008

Update:

I had my interview at memorial pediatrics ER. The manager was very kind and spoke very highly of me. However she said that she simply cannot hire an LPN for a PCT position due to scope of practice issues and obviously needing to cover themselves.

I assured her that I was able to work within a PCT scope for the time being until I completed was was rehired as an RN, but she was adamant about not hiring someone over qualified for a position.

She reffered me to several other departments for PCA positions, though I cant see how those areas would not have the same rule applying..

It has been very frustrating looking for work because it feels that quite simply, LPNs only can do home health in south florida. And I am not a fan of home health in any aspect. I have a job waiting for me with VITAS hospice, but that is doing crisis care.. another form of home health and a more depressing one at that.

Im gonna try to stick to the bright side of things though. Maybe theres a decent *gulp* nursing home needing a skilled LPN.

:cheers:

GOS1376 · Jan 21, 2008

I am looking for transition jobs into hospital setting I am a currently a dispatcher but completed 2 semesters of nursing school at BCC. I had a part-time patient care assistant position at University Tamarac Hospital and they hire LPN's (www.uhmchealth.com). Also Broward General hospital hires LPN's (www.browardhealth.org) I checked out there open jobs yesterday and I saw three LPN positions 2 at a clinic and one at the actual hospital. Between the two hospitals BGH pays more it's a bigger hospital with more funding, however University Tamarac is easier to get into for first time LPN's. You can also check out Plantation General and Imperial Pointe Medical Center both are in broward and they also hire LPN's. Good luck

P.S. I heard you like the Sheridan program I'm possibly going to apply can you advise if it's a good school, I'm looking for a program that will help with working students.:paw:

suzanne4, RN · Jan 21, 2008

Would recommend that you take the PN exam first and get that out of the way, it makes it easier to get hired with that already done.

And I agree with the manager for the ER, it is hard for them to hire someone that has additional training for a position, because even though you would be hired for the PCT position, you would be regarded in any issues that come up as being an LPN.

Same thing goes for RNs that want a job as an LPN, most employers will not go that route as the RN still is an RN and is under those protocols, not that of the LPN.

I am sure that it may not make sense to you at this time, but it really holds true.

Best of luck to you on your new career.

weezyljm · Jan 22, 2008

Hey Newbie: Welcome aboard - I am an alumni of Sheridan Voc-Tech and faced the same hiring "gridlock" that you now face. Sucks, no?

It is an excellent school, as I am sure you know. The County Hospitals are your best bet-- but you may also want to try what used to be called (and still maybe called) Northwest Memorial in Margate. I worked there as an LPN and learned a lot.

Avoid PCT jobs - as that is a dead-end for you. Gotta get that first year's hospital experience in - that is tantamount.

Once that is under your belt - you can go anywhere. Home health will be a lot easier on you while you are in school - but most of the agencies won't hire without at least one year hospital expeience under your belt. It will make a world of difference no matter where you may end up.

Wish I was STILL in SE Florida - here in NE Florida - there are ZERO LPN jobs now...and I am going broke. (even though I have 30+ years experience!!)