New LPN with ZERO work experience. Am I doomed?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I started college right out of high school and recently passed the NCLEX in September. However, I'm finding it quite difficult to land a job. I've sent dozens of resume and only got two calls back. I assume because my resume is so bare; all I have listed is my clinical sites and skills (although I have been complimented on my cover letter). Out of those two interviews, both of them ended with "we want someone with more experience."

I'm really, really regretting not getting my CNA and working first. That's what most of my classmates did, and many already had jobs lined up before school ended. For the record, I don't blame employers for not wanting to throw an inexperienced 20-year-old on the floor; it just sucks to make it this far, only to realize that getting a job will be so difficult.

I've been looking for volunteer opportunities to (hopefully) make my resume more appealing. So far, I have a position lined up at a hospice center; BUT I won't be able to start until orientation classes open (later this month).

Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated. Were any of you in a similar situation? (Also, I'm in the Central Florida area, if anyone needs that info)

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

From what I've heard, Florida is a difficult place to find jobs. Are you looking in LTC? Or rehab? You'd probably find it easier to find employment there than in Med/Surg or any other acute care.

Keep on looking, and think about whether you'd be willing to relocate to find employment.

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Have you ever volunteered anyway? I had a huge gap from 2006-2014 on my resume bc I was a stay at home mom. I added my volunteer positions on mine. I coached AYSO soccer and softball. I am in an area (PA) that is begging nurses to work. Are you open to availability for shifts? LTC? Prisons? Apply at all those places.

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I started college right out of high school and recently passed the NCLEX in September. However, I'm finding it quite difficult to land a job. I've sent dozens of resume and only got two calls back. I assume because my resume is so bare; all I have listed is my clinical sites and skills (although I have been complimented on my cover letter). Out of those two interviews, both of them ended with "we want someone with more experience."

I'm really, really regretting not getting my CNA and working first. That's what most of my classmates did, and many already had jobs lined up before school ended. For the record, I don't blame employers for not wanting to throw an inexperienced 20-year-old on the floor; it just sucks to make it this far, only to realize that getting a job will be so difficult.

I've been looking for volunteer opportunities to (hopefully) make my resume more appealing. So far, I have a position lined up at a hospice center; BUT I won't be able to start until orientation classes open (later this month).

Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated. Were any of you in a similar situation? (Also, I'm in the Central Florida area, if anyone needs that info)

Whether you think you are or think you aren't.....you're right.

I wish you luck and success

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