keep trying?

[Medsport, LPN]

Hey guys, its been about 5 months since I graduated and I still don't have a job. I'm about ready to give up and try something else, but have massive loans and time invested in nursing. In hind site, I made several mistakes. I got my LPN license the end of August and did'nt really start looking until then. I did have one interview at a jail, but never heard back from them. I then applied at the local hospitals and nursing homes. I had about 10 interviews. I did have a couple offers right away, but I heard the one place really overwhelms and overworks their nurses, so I waited for the other place to call back and they keep putting me off saying the census is low. Of the rest, only one even called me back to tell me they wanted someone with some experience.

I did get a job at a NH finally about a month ago. I had 5 days orientation and they felt I needed a couple more days and said it wasn't in the budget right now, so they let me go. I'm technically on PRN, but not holding my breath and I was supposed to get 7 training days. I never had clinicals (besides aide work) in a nursing home so that is holding me back I think.

I don't know what to do now. I have to start paying some bills as I'm getting behind more every week. I do have a part-time factory job that they would probably let me go back to full-time, but then I could just barely pay the bills working 6 days a week! And thats not even considering when my student loans start next month. I did get some advice that maybe I have'nt come across as assertive, motivated or maybe confident enough as I am very laid-back and quiet.

I guess my question is should I go back to the places I already applied and see if they have any openings now? At first I was only interested in FT positions, but now see I should have taken anything that was offered (PT or PRN) to get my foot in the door. Also, should I go in in person or call first? Should I try new places? Though, there are only a couple that I have'nt tried and they are in other towns. The only places advertising right now are quite a distance away in larger cities. I'm also not sure what to say if they ask why I waited so long to call back or why I have'nt gotten a job yet? Another thing, how do you get experience if nobody will hire you? Should I mention the couple weeks I worked at the one place? Sorry so long. Thanks for any input.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Yes, keep trying. With the current predicament you're facing, you absolutely cannot be choosy and selective about any job that is being offered to you.

The typical nursing home orientation in my area is 3 days. However, I've never been fortunate enough to receive a full 3 days worth of orientation. My first nursing home workplace oriented me for a total of 8 hours before cutting me loose to work on my own. Back then, I was fresh out of school and had no experience, but I made it just fine.

I would apply to all of the potential workplaces within a 25 mile radius of your home, and accept the first job offer that is thrown in your direction. Full-time is more desirable for a new nurse due to the consistency, because a PRN job does not guarantee you any hours. Good luck to you!