LPN new grad

Grayeagle · Jun 1, 2006

Hiya Monica;

Here in Phoenix, I searched (w/google) LPN Jobs .. then used different search engines on several websites to look at 20 mi and 30 mile radius from my zip code .. as of today (30 May) ..there are 300+ openings for LPN's within 30 miles of 85017 .. of those .. Maricopa County lists they accept New Grads in several positions, and there are more than a few others.

I graduated in March . . passed NCLEX in April ...test results came in the mail 2 days later, .. waited quite ahwile for the fingerprint check to complete, and got Licensed on May 17th.

May the 18th I was at the VA Hospital downtown for my yearly checkup and chatting with the CNA ..she mentioned they just posted 2 openings for LPN's internally .. so I jumped on it!

(my goal has been to land a VA position .. my time in the USAF applies to their retirement program after 5yrs, and I *start* with 13+ yrs on the 'clock' for benefits and the like)

It's called 'networking' .. talk to everyone .. let them know you are an LPN new grad and where you want to go .. the first year will go by FAST and then the sky is literally the limit.

I had sent resume in to Maricopa surgical unit, and they called me back .. but since I am jumping through hoops for the VA hiring process I havent returned their call yet .. yes .. *another* fingerprint check!! .. cant they just copy-paste? -grin

.. and I have had 4 registries call me after posting my resume on the Office of Personnel site. It lists on my resume that I am a new grad.

Jam on :)

-Frank P. Williamson, LPN AZ Lic #LP041597

PhoenixGirl · Jun 1, 2006

Can anyone suggest places to work as a new grad LPN? I've searched the web but most require 1 years experience not including clinicals.

I'm a new grad LPN working for Kindred. They have facilities in Phx and Scottsdale. I found it a very welcoming atmosphere as a new grad. The acuity is high, most patients are in multi-system failure, and there are a lot of ventilators/trachs but it's good experience. Hiring process is fast, pay is good, and the company treats employees well. I'm about 5w into my orientation and really enjoying, it I've already learned *so* much.

HTH

Rebecca

NeedingInfo · Jun 2, 2006

Rebecca,

Would you mind answering a few questions?

How did you hear about Kindred? What is your schedule like?

Thanks

Monica

NeedingInfo · Jun 2, 2006

Frank,

Thank you for the information. I have done clinicals at the VA and the LPN's were great. Are you working on the floor or in one of the clinics?

PhoenixGirl · Jun 2, 2006

Rebecca,
Would you mind answering a few questions?
How did you hear about Kindred? What is your schedule like?
Thanks
Monica

I had my resume on monster.com and the chief clinical officer called me the next day. I did a phone interview for about 10 mins. Then went in a few days later for a tour and another interview with a few other employees, then was hired on the spot. I was glad that it was that simple, in a lot of other places it can be so complicated and drawn out.

I also liked the fact that it's an acute care hospital, but also have some LTC (not residents, but pt's that stay pretty long term) so you have the feel of getting to know your patients. We have patients that come in sick as dogs, on ventilators, and wean off and walk out of there, we also have patients who never make it off the vent and die. So there is a mixture of the type of stuff you will see. I like that it's med/surg and even dialysis experience mixed in there, but with more of a LTC type pay! And they do team nursing, which at this facility is done right and really helps.

Regarding schedule, it's 3 12 hour shifts a week. Committment of 2 weekends a month, but you get shift differentials for that.

HTH

Rebecca