LVN asking new grad RNs in No. CA - R U finding work?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I am a recent grad LVN. I am in a difficult spot. I do not know whether to remain a nurse. I am finding that no one wants to hire a new grad LVN. LVNs in No. CA are only able to find jobs in SNF or LTC and no one wants to train a new grad. I did actually get a job for a little while, but they gave me 4 days orientation and put me on a med cart by myself. I was dumb...I tried to do it. I quit the next day. I did not want to jeopardize my license or the well being of the residents. A new grad with 4 days orientation that is trying to hurry is very dangerous. As an LVN I have learned a few things, like there are two ways to do things, the way you do them when the state is here and the way we do them the rest of the time. I struggle with that concept. Are the state auditors really that dumb? I became an LVN because I wanted to be an RN, and I planned to bridge from LVN to RN. I also planned to work as an LVN while I continued my education. BUT, after spending $20,000.00 to become an LVN only to find that THERE ARE NO JOBS, I am worried about investing more money to become an RN only to find that RNs are experiencing the same thing. Any RNs out there that can share their experience would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I have been con'd, duped, scammed and fallen victim to a great marketing strategy by LVN schools. I was taught in school that this was an honorable and noble profession only to find out that it seems more like a game of smoke and mirrors put on to line the pockets of the facility owners.

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

There are always more job opportunities as an RN as opposed to LVN, regardless of the economy

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You should watch the frontline episode college inc. it will put some perception on whats going.

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Specializes in LTC currently.

If you cant find jobs in Cali, perhaps u should try to relocate to another state or county if that isnt too difficult. there is a decent amount of jobs in texas for LPNs and RNs

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Specializes in School LVN, Peds HH.
Hi, I am a recent grad LVN. I am in a difficult spot. I do not know whether to remain a nurse. I am finding that no one wants to hire a new grad LVN. LVNs in No. CA are only able to find jobs in SNF or LTC and no one wants to train a new grad. I did actually get a job for a little while, but they gave me 4 days orientation and put me on a med cart by myself. I was dumb...I tried to do it. I quit the next day. I did not want to jeopardize my license or the well being of the residents. A new grad with 4 days orientation that is trying to hurry is very dangerous. As an LVN I have learned a few things, like there are two ways to do things, the way you do them when the state is here and the way we do them the rest of the time. I struggle with that concept. Are the state auditors really that dumb? I became an LVN because I wanted to be an RN, and I planned to bridge from LVN to RN. I also planned to work as an LVN while I continued my education. BUT, after spending $20,000.00 to become an LVN only to find that THERE ARE NO JOBS, I am worried about investing more money to become an RN only to find that RNs are experiencing the same thing. Any RNs out there that can share their experience would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I have been con'd, duped, scammed and fallen victim to a great marketing strategy by LVN schools. I was taught in school that this was an honorable and noble profession only to find out that it seems more like a game of smoke and mirrors put on to line the pockets of the facility owners.

I faced the same thoughts I am a working LVN. Although the plan is to become an RN, I'm keeping my options open. Since my LVN experience is in home health, it won't give me any advantage when I'm an RN applying for an acute care position. The fact that I've worked with pediatric patients since graduating might. I like the medical field, and I love interacting with patients. So, for now, I'm working and going to school. Not rushing anything. Whether I graduate with a ADN/BSN now or in a few years, the job market will be the same. California produces more nurses than we need.

If you're in the Sacramento area, let me know. I might be able to get you a job with my agency :) They can be kind of a pain, but its a job. PM me and we can chat more about it!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, some NICU.

This is the point I try to make to people all the time. Everybody talks about a nursing shortage! I tell them the ONLY shortage there is is a shortage of jobs!! Nobody around here believes me. But as I read this site, it only confirms it more.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Yeah it is really tough here now. You might try as raekay did and also a new grad LVN that I am working with in private duty nursing in people's homes.

There are more opportunities for RNs in general, but that doesn't necessarily apply to every area in every city, and some find there are more openings for LVNs than there are for RNs.

Whatever you decide to do, I would strongly encourage you not to let your LVN license lapse. You can be put on inactive status indefinately as long as you pay your renewal fees. That way if you should decide to go back, you'll just need your 30 hours of CEUs instead of taking the NCLEX again. That's what I did and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made when I hit a crisis in my personal life. Best wishes!!

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$20,000?!

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Thanks raekaylvn, but, I am in the Stockton area. Several homehealth agencies here are advertising for LVNs but they require 1 years of experience. I appreciate your offer.

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$20,000?!

yes, Twenty thousand dollars. AND the school I attended has raised tuition.

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Yeah it is really tough here now. You might try as raekay did and also a new grad LVN that I am working with in private duty nursing in people's homes.

There are more opportunities for RNs in general, but that doesn't necessarily apply to every area in every city, and some find there are more openings for LVNs than there are for RNs.

Whatever you decide to do, I would strongly encourage you not to let your LVN license lapse. You can be put on inactive status indefinately as long as you pay your renewal fees. That way if you should decide to go back, you'll just need your 30 hours of CEUs instead of taking the NCLEX again. That's what I did and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made when I hit a crisis in my personal life. Best wishes!!

Thanks for this info !! I didn't know about inactive status for my license. Good to know.

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Specializes in Community & Mental Health, Sp Ed nursing.

I just looked at LVN jobs on craigslist for the stockton area. Looks like lots of jobs for LVNS. IF they all want experience, see if you can't volunteer first. Good luck and don't give up!

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