LPN Hard time finding work

[PACNWNURSING]

I have been working as a paralegal, I am a 43 years old returning to nursing. I reactivated my LPN nursing license by having to retake the NCLEX. My last nursing position I held was at a Emergency room Level 1 Trauma center in 1995. 8 years LPN experience. I have applied for 2 LPN available positions, one at an ER and one at an urgent care center, neither facility has contacted me. What is the concern by nurse managers of those departments to not even consider me?

[caliotter3]

In the days before rampant lawsuits you might have been able to contact these people to find out what you were lacking as a means of self improvement. I seriously doubt that you would be able to get any kind of answer from them. However, why don't you send them a follow-up thank you letter? You can express your continued interest in the positions. You might get a response to your question. Good luck in your job search.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

The big concern in these areas are going to be are you current with the latest in trauma care? Have you kept up with CEUs? I will be honest too that I started to work in a level one trauma center in 1996 and we had 5 LPNs. By 1998, we had none and they've never hired any since. It is an all-RN staff.

Have you considered other areas?

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Check out dialysis particularly outpatient clinics. I know we use several LPN's and infact it was an LPN who trained/precepted me. Must say she's the best I have encountered in my 25 years as an RN and I just came back after an 8 year sabatical from Nursing.

[PANurseRN1]

Twelve years out of the loop, so to speak, may be going against you. That and the fact that many EDs no longer hire LPNs. Is there a refresher course you can take? That might show a potential employer that you've taken steps to get up to speed. You may need to consider other specialties, though.

[drmorton2b]

Also don't forget developmental and mental health.