Looking for a job after 3 years off.

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I got my LPN diploma in 2012 and started my first job at a nursing home shortly after. Unfortunately, my back issues got really bad only three weeks into my first job and I had to quit. I had a spinal fusion surgery, long recovery, and then some extra time off because of moving to the West Coast. Now I'm ready to work again (and in this state I need practice hours to keep my license) but I'm having a hard time finding any jobs that don't require at least a year of experience.

The only jobs that seem to be hiring new grads seem to be nursing homes and home health. Nursing home was just too hard on my back and I don't feel confident enough to work home health - alone without any help and without any experience.

So my question is...how to make my resume and my super short experience shine?

How to get the interview and how to explain my over 3 year break from nursing without scaring them? Let's face it, nobody likes nurses with a bad back (but that's why i'm looking for a less paid job at a clinic).

I'm just getting desperate.

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Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

What did you think of nursing home? I tried them twice and quit. I just hate being a pill pusher. Thinking of LPN to RN bridge program but I haven't even been full time in 16 yrs. yikes!!

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I actually liked working there although my two week training was cut short and I was all by myself with 40 residents started day 3....(6 feeding tubes too). One of those jobs where you don't eat or pee....I still enjoyed it - but to be honest I've enjoyed every single job I've ever had. WHile I was not lifting patients (except once after a fall), the medcart itself was so heavy that it just finished off my already bad back and I ended up temporarily in a wheelchair....that's why I'm hesitating to look for a job in the same setting.

I was enrolled in an RN program, but had to withdraw because of medical issues. I'm currently working on a healthcare management degree but to be honest nursing is my passion and it comes to me easy... (yes, i was the smart as* in the class getting straight As without studying much). Once I graduate from my current school I will be deciding between MBA in healthcare management and an LPN to BSN program....it all depends on my health.

But don't give up on nursing homes. While some can be bad you can always strive to make it better. I loved the continuity of care, seeing the same faces, knowing my residents and for that reason noticing when something was not right.

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Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

Oh my gosh, you sound like me! Maybe I didn't give it enough time. They put me on the floor with 30 medicare patients my first day too and I was still passing my 5 O'clocks at 11pm lol. No food, no break, never left the cart!!! But something inside me says nursing home is my gig! I just take FOREVER to learn the patients and the meds and get the swing of it all. Tried ALF once evening shift and first night 3 people fell and cracked their heads open. GOODBYE once again lol. I have an interview for a school nurse on the 26th so we'll see. I have to take CPR AND FIRST AID beforehand too. Better call my guy today ugh. I, like you, think I might go into Medical Admin instead since I can't pass Anatomy lol

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