New LPN, Job Hunting

[pamdlaw]

I just passed my boards and got my license...I am now a LPN. I worked so hard to accomplish this. I also worked full time while going to school. The journey was long & hard. At times I wanted to give up but, didn't. Now I'm on the hunt for employment as a LPN. It is not easy!!!! Everyone wants someone with experience but, how do you get the experience? I taking off my full time job to put in applications, going to career builders.com to apply for different jobs. I want to work full-time as a nurse, to get out there. I know that something will come, I'll even take 2 part-time, PRN. It's so hard here in the Hampton Roads area!!!! I'm not giving up!!! I just want a chance!!! I need that MED-SURG experience. I want to do LTC & eventually be a HOSPICE NURSE(RN). Anyone with any tips, any help would be appreciated. On a side note, for everyone that graduated from MCI NN - Congrats!!!! For all MCI NN students - You can do it!!!! Keep the faith!!!

[NrsintheFam]

Congratulation's on graduating and passing the board. Sorry your search for a job is not coming easy. I keep seeing statements that there are so many jobs for nurses out there and so many needed but it seems like some are having a tough time getting a job out here. If you can afford to maybe you can do a few months of volunteer work to get that experience that everyones looking for.

On another note, how was MCI? I plan on starting in their PN program on the 28th, still waiting for my acceptance letter though, hopefully this week, I just applied last week though, so I might be pushing it. My biggest worry is trying to afford childcare, I know crazy I shouldn't be worried about more than that. I can study, but I can't produce more money than I have/make..lol. Anyway, if you don't mind me asking, what are the class times like? Do we actually stay till 4:30 everyday? I'm trying to see if I can avoid paying for after school care, since I won't be working and I'd be paying for 3 kiddies. I did ask this question on another thread, but thought I'd ask you since your a recent grad.

Congrats again and good luck on your job search. BTW, are military affiliated. Maybe you can try w/ the government. www.usajobs.gov usually has some tempting offers.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Try local skilled nursing facilities/rehab centers because most of them are advertising for LPNs. Same with the nursing homes.

Go in person to apply, and if you don't mind working 2nd or 3rd shift, you've got a good chance of getting hired. Congratulations and good luck!