NJ LPN wants to return to LPN school

Jules A, MSN · Jan 17, 2009

I'm surprised that you haven't been able to find a job for two years after taking the refresher course. LTC in my area always hires LPNs even without experience. What kind of places have you applied to?

opal09 · Jan 18, 2009

I applied at 2 state facilities (veterans home, mental institution and a local hospital in southern nj. Where are you located? I would feel better taking the class over but it is the clinical I think I would benefit the most from. I guess I could try the refresher again an hope I get more experience a a better insructor. How many patients do you have, I'm afraid if too many I couldn't keep up. thanks

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 18, 2009

I often wondered what nurses in your predicament had available to feel confident enough to return to the workforce. I believe that a refresher course would be great, but only if there are other professors or programs. I don't even know of refresher courses in my area.

Another suggestion I have (and don't know if it would work or not), is if you were able to ask to participate in some of the nursing school labs to practice skills. Is your alma marter still in existence? Maybe ask them? Good luck!

Jules A, MSN · Jan 18, 2009

I applied at 2 state facilities (veterans home, mental institution and a local hospital in southern nj.

Please don't give up if you only applied to two places! Its been my experience that state/federal can be tough to break into so I wouldn't take this as you aren't able to get a job. The idea to check back with your school is a good one or maybe take another refresher. I hope your lack of confidence isn't hampering your success. Most all of us were nervous about starting out at first. Its like anything else, there comes a time when you just need to do it. Good luck.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 18, 2009

Please don't give up if you only applied to two places! Its been my experience that state/federal can be tough to break into so I wouldn't take this as you aren't able to get a job. The idea to check back with your school is a good one or maybe take another refresher. I hope your lack of confidence isn't hampering your success. Most all of us were nervous about starting out at first. Its like anything else, there comes a time when you just need to do it. Good luck.

Jules, I LOVE your cat!!

It is a longer, harder process to be accepted for government positions (unless you know someone), so that is not a measure of success...please continue to try. I wish the OP luck!

opal09 · Jan 18, 2009

Generally they are offered at vocational schools. Yes I can do class labs but I would still have to pay the full tuitiion but I could not go to the clinical sites. I really don't understand why I could not just because I have a license already I am told. I know LPN's returning to RN school can do clinicals. The head of the program doesn't understand why I can't get a job but she supposedly will let me know if she finds one for me. I did very well in school and I was accepted to a RN program but I would be happy just passing out medications and doing treatments having more patient interations.

opal09 · Jan 18, 2009

Thanks for your suggestions! I like your cat too! Do you mind if I ask where you are from perhaps it is near my area that I could apply at some LTC facilities. Confidence was the problem when I graduated years ago. I felt like I did not know enough and back than I was told the pt load was 60. I had a hard enough time with two patients back in achool.

caliotter3 · Jan 18, 2009

A refresher program where I used to live offered clinicals. Could you maybe find one that offers clinicals in your area? Otherwise, I really don't see why you can't get hired at a LTC facility. Just don't give up. Good luck.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 18, 2009

You are welcome and while this isn't a substitution for knowledge the old saying "fake it until you make it" comes to mind. I can remember doing my first injection and saying to the patient, "don't worry I'm really good and fast with these" even though I was very nervous. My patient just sat there calmly and trusted me to know what I was doing and I didn't let her down. LTC is known for a large patient load but its something you should become comfortable with in time. Perhaps you could ask to do a share day at a local facility where you might want to work to get a feel for things. You can do this! You were successful in school and taking your boards so its time to move to the next step.

I'm from the DC/Balto. area. There is a NJ section here where you might get more specific answers.