NEW RN "But old LPN"

[JamiR369]

I am a new RN but an old LPN ( 10 + yrs experience). I was soo excited to graduate with my RN degree and was eager to take my nursing degree to the next level.

The problem I'm running into is, Acute care Hospitals in NJ ( the ones who dont require BSN) don't consider LPN experience. I was told that new RNs with LPN experience are still considered a " new grad" with NO nursing experience. I was also told that my area Hospitals only hire "new Grads" once a yr ,shortly after graduation and there are only a few positions avail, making them VERY competitive. After working in the medical field for 20 yrs and being an LPN in sub acute rehab,hospice ,Endo and LTC for over 10 yrs, I have to say that I'm absolutely crushed over this. I feel soo disappointed , not to mention un appreciated and worthless. I'm in my 40's and not interested in starting all over on a crappy shift on a heavy med surg floor. ( In other words, I'm too old for that crap).So I'm stuck in the same LTC/Rehab I was doing as an LPN. I almost feel as though all the traumatizing sacrifices I made going back to school were for nothing.

Very Disappointed!!!!

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

Who has told you these things? For some reason, many people enjoy being negative. Ignore them. Apply for hospital jobs. Also apply for LTC, etc. Depending on where in NJ you live, you can also apply for jobs in PA, NY, etc. (You can apply for licensure by endorsement).

Johns Hopkins Hospital hired ADNs for OR jobs. They also had a special hiring program where they gave you one year of OR RN training in return for a 2 year commitment. I'm mentioning this because many RNs overlook OR jobs.

good luck

[caliotter3]

You have to be willing to pay your dues the way others must if you want to get what you want. Very few employers give credit for LPN/LVN experience. This should have been made clear in your program, so that you would not graduate with unrealistic expectations.

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

I had too, been an LPN for about 10 years when I went back for my ADN. I had spent those years in mostly critical care before they removed LPN's from ICU. When I received my RN I was also considered a new grad. Even at that I still made more money, and once I proved myself and and my skills, I gradually increased my salary and options. Don't give in. I know how it feels, I had felt a bit humiliated and I felt like they were getting an experienced nurse for new grad pay. But I kept that hidden and did the best quality care I could, and eventually was given back too.

[Melody007_FNP-C, APRN]

I feel I was a bit lucky because when I went from a 10yr experienced LPN to ADN my hospital gave 1/2 credit for my LPN experience. I was also able to stay in the float pool and make double what I made as a LPN. I was doing charge as a "new" ADN becuase I had showed my leadership and nursing experience to them for about 6 yrs at that time. Now I am an ARNP and look back at where I started and feel quite accomplished (I was a CNA before LPN).

[NovaFNP22]

I'm graduating in May with my BSN and I'm currently working as an LPN. One minute I'm hopeful and tell myself everything will work out fine. The next minute I'm on allnurses worried and looking to see what experience others have had. Your post was from October - have you found anything??

[GemGemBSNLVNRN]

Hello, I appreciate any input. I'm in the same position, home health LVN with LVN experience PDN 9years having trouble transitioning in to the RN world. I received my RN license 2 years ago but chose to stay as a PDN school nursing now feeling discouraged about where to go if I am no longer considered a New Grad RN.