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Discussion

Looking for my first job

I've had my license for 3 years, same day I found out I passed my NCLEX, I also found out I was pregnant so I decided to hold off on working and enjoy my pregnancy. Well when my son was 1 we decided to have 1 more, (We already have 2 older girls) so we ended up with another boy. So now after being a stay at home mom for so long I've decided to get a job and there are several job openings for LVNs in my area but every single one requires experience.

How am I supposed to get experience if everyone requires it. I just got my BLS card, I'm in the process of getting my IV therapy/blood withdrawal cert. this week, is there anything else I can do to stand out.

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    • Experts

    You are in southern CA according to your profile. I know I sound negative by sharing bad news, but the LVN job market in southern CA has been terrible for several years due to 100+ LVN programs in the area that pump so many new nurses into the local employment market without the demand. Some LVNs in southern CA have been looking for their first jobs since '08 to no avail.

    The economy is still in a slump, and nursing jobs have very much been affected. HR managers and recruiters are often suspicious of the nurse who graduated three years ago with no paid nursing experience, even when valid reasons exist for staying out of the workforce. Unfortunately, you are no longer considered a new nurse, even though you have no experience.

    You are competing with LVN grads from the classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012 for jobs. I would personally apply at every single home health company, nursing home, hospice, private duty agency, clinic, doctors' office, psychiatric facility, and group home within a 50 mile radius of your home. Apply in person during business hours while nicely dressed. Good luck to you.

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    Determination. That's the only thing that got me a nursing position after being jobless for two years. I'm not one for religion, but pray, too (and have everyone you know pray for you, too ;). Be available for anything offered to you (and don't just say it and once your hired, take it back). Don't ever mention what-so-ever: "how am I supposed to get experience if no one will give me a chance" or "no one hires new grads" or any other variant of the phrase. Be persistent. Apply to all positions that state "experience preferred" (and even though I was told not to waste my time with positions that state "experience required", I did and got two jobs that "required experience"-hint-). Last but not least, (this one you may not like) be willing to drive, and drive far (you may not have a choice if you want to get started with your nursing career). Good luck! Don't give up! Remember, the right thing will come at the right time.

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    Excellent post Really new RN! Also, be confident and make 'em think they can't function without you lol! You never know what's in store for you. Don't give up!

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    • Experts

    Apply for everything that you can, even if it requires a year or two of experience. You never know if they'd be willing to give you a chance. Sell yourself hard.

    Also, look into a refresher course to update your skills as well as network. I'm not sure how it works for LVN courses, but RN refresher courses have clinicals at local facilities, which provides a networking opportunity.

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