New Grad... Where do I start???

[Magnolia08]

I am a new LPN grad in Georgia, past my boards in February and have had a hard time finding a decent job. PRN pay is the only thing I can find for decent pay which is about $16/hr. Hospital pay is about $12-13/hr for new grads and day shift is almost impossible to get and it is hard to get on their because they want RNs!. A Dr's. office has tons of MA's doing just about everything, so those places really don't have anyone licensed to be a mentor etc...and pay stinks their. Home health normally requires 6 months to 1 year med-surg experience. Any advice on the best place to get on the job training for a new grad?? ? Thanks, new nurse in distress!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I assume that LTC/nursing homes don't interest you very much, because you didn't mention them in your post at all. Nursing homes, though unpopular to some people, are the waves of the future.

[Magnolia08]

I work PRN at a long term retirement facility on an Alzheimers floor. I don't work on the skilled nursing floor because the LPN that is on that floor full-time is very unfriendly and doesn't want to be bothered training anyway so how am I supposed to get experience with skilled nursing. I don't feel comfortable working on that floor without any orientation and working experience. Sure I learned in school but it is different when you are out in the real world. There are about 23 residents on that unit. She has been complained about to the DON several times and they won't get rid of her. The other LTC facilities in this town are just not places I want to work because they buildings are old and not maintained well. It's terrible that our aging population have to live in some of these places!

[fancyme50]

Hi, I am a recent gradurate in GA myself, I got into a nursing home 7-3 40 hr week. I am learning alot more than I thought I would. Your right not alot out there for grads without experience. Keep on looking.