Lpn since 2014 But have not worked

Dafabb, LPN · Sep 15, 2016

That's a tough one but I will give you something to think about before you except any job. You sound like your confidence is on the low side because of your insecurity. You now have not continued to exercise your knowledge and practice to gain more confidence. I don't know where you live and if they will allow an LPN in the hospital. In that setting you have 5-7 patients. Much better to go in green and learn. You would have nurses there who will go with you and help if needed. Your confidence would build much faster. A nursing home is a hard place to work even for a seasoned nurse. Your resident load would be somewhere between 25-35. More in many places but never less. They are fast paced and if your are uncertain about many of your duties,you would be very stressed right off which hinders everything you do. Orientation only last so long. You will have to decide if this group will be a help by what you say to them about your experience. The reality of NH is the help they would assure you of might not be there. Only you can decide the path you want to take. I wish you well!

HeatherT · Sep 15, 2016

Thank you, I appreciate your input/advice. Our hospital does hire LPNs, but I haven't had any luck getting a job there. Maybe because of my lack of experience and the length of time after graduation, not sure. What you have mentioned above about the patient load and minimal training is my greatest concern.

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2016

Sometimes getting hired is just "timing". New grads come out in May and June in most cities. I would say now and in the near future might be a good time to re-apply. I am not sure, but I think a lot of people resign near the holidays and they need help then.

I had a friend I graduated my LPN program with many years before I became a RN. She decided she wanted to wait before she went to work for whatever reason and got a job in the hospital approx 2 years or so after graduating. I must add that she had a connection in that hospital though....a unit manager was her family member.

Good luck!

kbvn3210 · Sep 15, 2016

I got my license in 2011 and just got my first nursing job at an LTC. They are allowing me to have one month of orientation and more if I don't feel comfortable on my own. It's rough. My preceptor is a goof nurse, very smart but she's stressed out. The facility is old and set in its ways. She got a new admit and no one told her, there were labs left on the fax from a month ago, med don't get ordered when they should be and they take forever to come in, the aides aren't trained well, and we stay busy from start to finish. I always stay an extra hour to do charting. None of that gets to me. What i struggle with is feeling dumb and useless. A patient was unresponsive and I ran with my preceptor to the room and she turned to me and asked me to go help another nurse with paperwork. :unsure: I almost gave a pill po to a patient with a g-tube and my first day I drew up 20 units of insulin until my preceptor corrected me. I cried my second day. I was originally hired to work nights but the director moved me days. She told me it might be more difficult but in the end it will make me a better nurse. I agree. I say all of this to say no matter where you choose to go just make sure the staff is aware of your situation and that they're supportive of you and willing to train you green. All you can do is try your best. Hope this helps.

Cisl4him, RN · Sep 15, 2016

If you can afford to take a refresher course I would take it. You can do this!! Trust me. You won't regret giving it your best shot.