New LPN who can't find a job

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Hello. I'm a new LPN, and cannot find a job. I was an administrative assistant for 20 years, so this is a second career for me. I didn't work during school, so I don't have any direct care experience outside of clinicals, and I wonder if that is what is holding me back. My grades were okay, I have excellent references, but cannot even get interviews, since everyone I talk to says that they require a year of experience. Our school (Episcopal) has closed, so there really isn't anyone who can help there. Any advice? I'm really anxious to start to work. I search Monster, Indeed, and may other sites daily, and have applied to about 20 nursing homes. My interests are in geriatrics, behavorial health, long term care, and psychiatry (geri psych would be great!).

TIA,

e

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Where do you live? Did you call all your local LTC facilities? I am surprised you can't find a job in LTC or how about an agency? A friend of mine works for Nurses Elite she is a LPN in PA.

Good Luck

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Hi, Adamsmom,

Yep, I've sent resumes with a cover letter to about 30 places...and when I call to follow up, they tell me that they only hire people with experience. In Philadelphia, Genesis has about 30 facilities, and their recruiter told me that they can't hire without experience; sad, because they have very nice places. I can certainly understand that it is hard to take time to train, but it is frustrating for a new grad. I do have an interview tomorrow for a long term care facility, and am very excited about it, but it is a 30 min drive, and I was hoping to be able to use transit since I don't currently have a car (trying to live an environmentally friendly life!).

Thanks, e

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Specializes in MS, TCU, LTAC.

Hi Ebyrnes,

I am also surprised that you cannot find work as a LPN, especially in a LTC setting. It seems Nursing Homes are always hiring. I have never heard of need experiences for Nursing homes. Have you tried using your clinical as part of your experience and try it like that. I know to work for agencies and in specialities you need experience.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU..

Look in the newspaper or go to LTC facilities that may also help.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

Come West... plenty of LPN jobs in Southwestern PA in LTC facilities.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Thanks, Adamsmom and everyone else. I do have two offers, and am trying to decide what to do. I think that I'm so anxious to start to be a nurse (and have a paycheck again!) that I was afraid that it would never happen.

e

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.
Come West... plenty of LPN jobs in Southwestern PA in LTC facilities.

Thanks, Kylee; I'm originally from Pittsburgh, and would love to move back home. My honey's kids live here with their Mum, so moving is out of the question for a few more years.

e

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When you do move to Pittsburgh, you could have a job in 5minutes. Really. At least in the LTC setting.

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I'm not sure what area of PA you live in, but a former classmate of mine was just hired as an RN...without prior experience...in a geri- psych unit @ the Coatesville VA Hospital in Chester County. As a recently licensed RN without prior experience, I know how hard it is to find a job...I'm still looking myself. Don't give up...I'm sure something will turn up!!

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1 aquarianrn

I graduate from Brandywine in May. I have a job at TelHai but I am still looking, do you have any suggestions? Is the VA a good place to work?

Thanks

Lee D

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Hey, good luck! Let us know which job you took.

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