New Grad 1 yr ago....no job yet

[dancincc]

I graduated from LPN school 1 year ago in June; my state (Ohio) takes a very long time in the licensure process, so didn't sit for boards until end of October and passed first time. I have been applying for jobs ever since; am even working with a company to help find jobs. Every place wants you to have experience. How can I get the experience?? Also, where I live, (C-bus), the hospitals will not hire LPNs. I loved learning while in nursing school and want to work, but I can't even get a call to be interviewed. What does anyone else do if they don't have experience?? I feel like I am losing all my skills and forgetting important information and possibly made a mistake in choosing this training. How can I get additional certifications, i.e. vent, to make myself more marketable?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Are you also applying at non-hospital settings such as nursing homes, dialysis centers, clinics, doctors offices, schools, hospices, home health agencies, group homes, assisted living, prisons, adult day care, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation centers, university health centers, vaccination companies, and ambulatory surgery centers?

[jv1063]

Have you thought about a bridge RN program? That is what the NSNA is recommending for new graduates seeking employment. Their take is that when the economic situation improves many nurses will retire and we will again face a critical nursing shortage. I guess it depends on what area you live as to what would be available. I graduate from a BSN program in 2011 and I am a little concerned as well. Good luck to you!!