LVNs=no job?

[kikisan]

i don't know what to do anymore. so i graduated honors in july 2009 as LVN. passed my hesi and nclex with flying colors. took a IV and Blood withdrawal class to expand my skills and knowledge. i would like to think i have a great resume. here i am with no decent job at all. i started at an agency recently but it's so unstable...so far i had only worked one day. waiting for my schedule probably next week. and it's only $18 per hour. but i'll just never know when i'll work.

then i just had an interview today as a home health aide that i applied long time ago and she really likes me...it's $14 per hour and .50cents every mile because i have to drive to the client's house. i mean i don't have any other medical experience besides what i had from my school's clinical rotations. i just don't feel sane anymore...i mean i applied everywhere and i mean i also did walk-ins. it's terrible...if i take the job with such a low rate, am i being crazy? i'm so desperate for a job and experience...

i feel like i've worked so hard in school...especially passing nclex so that i can get a head start. and i passed it the first time...took IV class and bloodwithdrawal to better up the chances of getting hired...but no..things don't happen the way you want them to..

what do you think guys? just take whatever i can get and gain experience?

help.

[kikisan]

@swayman: wow that's great! you must have a lot of experiences on your resume haha

@caliotter: i agree. work is work. so i guess as long as it's within the medical experience it should be considered right?

[caliotter3]

Yep. But I sure wouldn't stop looking for appropriate work at appropriate pay!

[kikisan]

true. thanks guys... i feel better. i guess the economy is that terrible especially in california.. =x

i guess i need tokeep trying and trying

[liberty_bell]

Sorry you can't find work!! Just keep looking you will get something!!! Socal is the WORST place right now. Even RNs are having a hard time, but even worse for LVNS!

[smartnurse1982]

BTW, I have years experience as an LVN and recently worked a couple of shifts as a CNA at $12 an hour. Work is work.

Everytime I read allnurses I get confused. Would the op working as a hha put their license in danger because they would be held to the higher standard? I don't see anything wrong with it btw. The op working as a hha won't be getting any lpn experience. I'm an rn who has wanted to apply to lpn positions but was told you can't work under your license. Just asking because it gets confusing.

[Peds_Nurse]

I'm also an LVN in CA, but I think it depends on where you're located. It only took me 2 weeks to find my job and I'm a new grad also. We just hired 4 new nurses and have 2 more in orientation next week, both LVN and RN (mostly LVNs). Its a LTC facility and the pay isn't that bad, $20 an hr w/benefits.

I suggest trying out the job market in more rural areas, where the competition isn't that tough, that is, if you can relocate. There are many jobs for nurses in these small communities, like the one I live in, you just have to look. I agree though, SoCal is bad and the SF Bay area is even worse. That's where I graduated from, moved to a smaller community to find the job.

Good luck, you'll get something soon. You just have to be flexible and I'd take whatever work you can get so you resume is stronger.