New grad*** need help finding a job!

[Charmslpn]

Ok so I'm just curious..... Where am I supposed to get the 1 to 2 years experience that employers are asking for??!! It's so discouraging and some of the job postings will tell you straight out NEW GRADS NEED NOT APPLY! I must have applied to over 50 facilities and organizations, but still nothing. I have a background in patient care, worked as a cna since 1994, graduated top of my class with high honors, received all kinds of awards, letters of recommendations, references from clinical/classroom instructors. I'm terrified that I won't find anything after working so hard to get through the program! Please any advice would be helpful. Maybe someone has had a similar experience and can shed some light.

[SWM2009]

In my part of the country, those who apply in person seem to have better luck than those who just do online applications, especially for LTC. I would suggest trying that if you are not already doing so.

All the best.

[Charmslpn]

Thank you SWM2009! Sadly I've been doing a combination of online, walk ins, and nursing job fairs, but nothing yet. I guess what I should have maybe asked is.... how long did it take for others to find their first job? Is this normal? Again thanks for wishing me the best!

[SWM2009]

I had a job about 4 weeks after passing NCLEX. However, in my area, LTC facilities seem desperate for nurses. Some of the folks in my graduating class got interviewed and hired on the spot.

It could be the market in your area is saturated with nurses which makes it harder to land that first job.

[T-Bird78]

Don't be afraid to check offices or clinics or urgent care. Specialist offices are more likely to have LPNs over MAs, such as allergy/asthma clinics or surgeons doing minor procedures in the office. Good luck!

[Girlafraid13]

I had a job within 6 weeks of passing my nclex. I applied to over 300 places. Some of my classmates haven't been so lucky and haven't found a job and it's already been about a year since nclex. Where are you located? Oh I might also add that I didn't get my first choice job (home health pediatrics)