LPN with NO experience,,HELP!

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I graduated from LPN school and passed boards in MS April 06. My Dad died my first week of school, so after graduation, my siblings and I settled his affairs adn bean doing some remodling of his home so we could sell it. I also went to the UK for a few months. This was the first time in my 26 year working life that I didnt HAVE to work. In the fall of 06, I accepted a job in a nursing home,,UGH,,and quit shortly afterwards,,like after one day on the floor. Being morbidly obese, I decided to undergo a lap-band procedure in Jan 29th 07 and am doing great,,,exceept that I'm now having a hard time finidng a job. Of course,,empolyers want to know what I've been doing in the year since I graduated,,and what can I say? Everyone wants experience and I have none to offer. I stay up online reading,,reviewing textbooks etc. Honestly, I'm so insecure now that I'm afraid to even go out and TRY to finda job. I've got Micro and Lab, Growth and Dev and to take the NET test for the bridge over to RN program, which I hope to be admitted to next summer.

Any words of advice? :o

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Hi, have you explained about the death of your dad? That might help. I know the long term care facilities here hire new LPN graduates and that's a good place to get started. How come you only worked one day? I don't think you gave it enough time to see how that might have worked out. Best wishes for you in whatever you decide to do.

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health.

I have been out of nursing school since 8/2004 and have only worked in nursing for a total of 9 months. I had a few other jobs besides that working in LTC. They only lasted a few days before I left. I do not even mention those to future employers. When they ask what you have been doing let them know about your father's death and the surgery. I know that LTC in this area is so in need that I can still work somewhere. Do not let yourself be nervous. You will be fine. Again, if I were you I would leave out the short employment you had. It may make them nervous to hire you. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I think that life happens to people all the time. I think if you are willing and able to work on a casual basis to start, you will be fine. Just tell the interviewer about the death in the family and you will be fine. I think the other posters are right, LTC's will need people esp. with the summer coming up.

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I appreciate everyone's responses,,,sometimes it helps just to have the encouragement of your peers. I went through orientation for a wek at the nursing home,,to tell the truth,,the CNAs and other LPNs(98% agency nurses) had a real flippant attitude about things. The first night I was on the floor(11p-7a),,I had 11 fingersticks, 5 breathing txs and the whole while, the LPN I was working with pulled meds and told me to give them. DOH!! I told her i wanst going to give meds I didnt pull,,and she said "Girlfriend,,,you're in the REAL WORLD now!" THe CNAs constantly complained and sat around eating chicken and left their mess out in plain sight,,to make a long story short,,I was overwhelmed. I called the supervisor the next day adn told her I didnt' think I was the best suited for them,,they all but begged me to come back. This particular nursing home didnt' have the best rep in town and they pay teh best, have great benefits and they cant keep nurses. Go figure. ANYWAY,,,I think I'll give a smaller one a try,,or an assisted liveing facility. I just want a chance to work adn prove myself. Thanks again,,and I appreciate anything anyone has to say.

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