Looking for a job prior to graduation?

[StarNurse2006]

Long story, but...

I am in a vocational nursing program, with 6 months left. Due to illness and strict attendance policies, I have been "given" a 2 month break, moving my graduation date from June 2007 to August 2007. Not a big deal in the scheme of things, but I only had enough money to get me through to June (I don't work.) So, what I'd like to do is get a full-time job until March when I return to school. I have a business degree and could easily get an office job, but I wouldn't want to give the impression that I would be staying on for a long period of time. I have my CNA, and would like to take a job at a local hospital where I worked a couple years ago. They have 12 hour shifts and I want to work there after graduation anyway. But I am obviously anxious to start asap and the hiring process can be lengthy when you simply apply. I really want to put myself out there, so I plan to go in to HR tomorrow, but I am at a complete loss of how to approach the situation. The hospital has programs for RN student seeking employment, but nothing for LVNs. Should I try to see if they can offer me something similar? Should I apply online and then go in and just ask to talk to anyone? Would I be out of line to just go in and ask to speak to a nurse recruiter since ideally I would like to work full time until March, then maybe 1-2 days a week until graduation, and then full time as an LVN after August? My CNA cert was just renewed, I have excellent grades, and I am enthusiastic...they'll want me, right? :chuckle

I am just desperate to start QUICKLY and I don't know how to approach this! Hopefully some of the experienced nurses here can offer some of their great advice!

Thanks!

[GingerSue]

I say go in person

if they need help, they'll hire you

[WickedRedRN, BSN, RN]

Ditto, go in person.

Also, if you are really interested in quick hiring, you might look at LTC facilities, most normally need CNA's on all shifts.

[CHATSDALE]

i would go into the hospital that you want to work at post graduation..if you have worked there before that could a plus

perhaps they will work around your school schedule when you start back in march

when you go in with your resume put all the facts down or include as an addenum on separate sheet

hopefully they can use you right away, if not i would also go over to a ltc facility, if they really need a cna, and they usually do, they would propably work around a school schedule also

[dreamingofbeing]

Theres no harm in trying. Go to the hospital and see what they say. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck. I hope you get what you need.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The hospital has programs for RN student seeking employment, but nothing for LVNs. Should I try to see if they can offer me something similar?

Many hospitals are no longer hiring LVNs. Perhaps you should apply in person at this hospital since it is piquing your interest.

In addition, some extended care facilities will hire you as a graduate vocational nurse upon graduation without a license. They will pay you several dollars less than what they would typically pay a fully licensed LVN and will give you up to 4 months to pass your NCLEX-PN. Once you pass the boards, they will bump your pay rate up to that of an LVN. My workplace, a nursing home, frequently hires GVNs (graduate vocational nurses) who have completed school but are lacking the license.