New LPN.. Not sure where to go from here.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2013

Welcome to Allnurses.com!

I'm so sorry about the difficulties you are encountering in the job market. Unfortunately, the nursing employment markets in some cities and states have been terrible since the Great Recession of 2008 to 2009. Sometimes getting a job in these areas is less about what you know and more about who you know.

I got my first job by walking into the nursing home during normal business hours and filling out an application. If you apply in person, be sure to dress professionally because your efforts might lead to an on-the-spot interview with a manager.

Be sure to apply to all home health agencies, hospices, and nursing homes within a 50 mile radius of your home. Also, sites such as Indeed and Craigslist have some reputable job leads. Good luck to you!

NurseReese, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jan 13, 2013

Aww thank you @TheCommuter I feel welcomed. And, yes I have been everywhere but you're right I do need to be professionally dressed. I usually go business casual.

Thanks for the quick reply :)

aspyer · Jan 13, 2013

Hey guys! I'm a new LPN. Just passed my NCLEX on the 4th. I've been looking for work EVERYWHERE and it doesn't seem as tho many places are hiring.. let alone new grads. I've also applied for my NPI, just got it, and am waiting on my license to apply to be a Medicaid provider. Even though I'm applying to be a medicaid provider I'm aware that is not a good idea to work in that area until I'm experienced.
Any advice?

First of all congrats on passing, don't lose hope it's tough out there in all markets. I also got my first nursing home job by walking in during working hours just to drop off my resume and landed an on the spot interview. So be willing to do a little foot work the online application process will never beat hands on. But always be approiately dressed when dropping off resumes in person just in case the HR manager is available to see you. Good luck with your job search

jigzawnurse28 · Jan 13, 2013

Get ready yourself for months and months of scouring through job openings.

Not discouraging you, but that is the real life of new grads LPN like us sorry.

mommyof2Tees · Jan 14, 2013

and Don't give up! Are there any Assisted Living Facilities in your area? A lot of them hire new grads.

NurseReese, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jan 15, 2013

It seemed like before I passed the Boards they're were soooo many jobs but not so many after. Ugh! I'm not discouraged just... wanna make sure my t's are crossed i's are dotted :)

NurseReese, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jan 15, 2013

Thank you! Yes, they're are plenty of ALF here. I'm on Long Island in NY. I've applied. Just patiently waiting. All while preparing to go back to school for my RN. No rest for the weary.

NurseGuyBri · Jan 17, 2013

Hi Reese! I'm a DON at a Long Term Care Facility. I hire new graduates often, and I hope that you don't get discouraged. There are jobs out there. Sometimes it just takes a while. There are so many applications that come through our office, you have to make sure you are noticed. Most of my staff were hired in an on-the-spot interview, so always dress like you are on the interview. Also, make sure you fill the app out completely. If you can't do that, I'll doubt you can fill out the MAR or TAR.

It took me 3 months to get my first LPN job, and I got it by networking, so it's hard. Just stick with it!

NurseReese, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jan 18, 2013

I'm still at it guys. Thanx for your kind words of encouragement. I shall keep you all posted. :)

NurseReese, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Dec 26, 2015

I actually found a job Feb 2013 and haven't had difficulty find one since. thank God!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2015

I actually found a job Feb 2013 and haven't had difficulty find one since. thank God!

Thanks for resurrecting this thread to provide us with a positive update. Good luck to you, and keep up the good work.