Not so new grad, wondering the odds of finding work.

[nurse.lish]

Hi everyone! So I have graduated and passed my LPN boards in 2006. I never looked for a job after graduation because I was only 17 and I wanted to start college full time. A lot of personal things happened between now and then so I was never actually able to complete the RN program. I was fortunate enough to find a job in 2010 in an Assisted Living facility and try to get my foot back into the field. The only bad thing was that since I graduated so long ago, I forgot a big portion of stuff and the facility I worked at training was for only 3 days. Clearly not enough time to even refreshen up on material. So thus, being left alone third shift to care for 50+ patients was too stressful for me. I left after 3 months and felt broken from it. I was totally questioning whether I should do nursing any more. I am now 23 and only have these 3 months experience. I have been looking for work as a LPN, but I don't know if I should even bother. I have been studying my nursing books and reviewing everything that I can. The sad thing is, I have even been applying for CNA jobs and training because I want to be in the medical field so badly. I am enrolled in my local community college and on the RN waiting list so I can get my ADN in possibly 2-3 years. I guess the real question here is if any one thinks I have a shot working as a LPN or if I should just give up on that idea and try to get my CNA certification and do that while going to school for my RN? And a side note is, during nursing school, I hardly got to do any procedures during clinicals so I don't have any experience doing so. I would really need to be trained on basic procedures such as feeding tubes, catheters, trach care, post mortum care etc. I'm looking for honest advice, so please help. Thanks!

[Denisse3, ADN, RN]

I know how you feel...I'm 23 and I graduated 6 months ago and still no job. I was thinking of getting my CNA license too. It's so frustrating because I also will probably have to wait a yr or so to start the RN program. Sorry I'm no help, but if I were you I would have never quit that job. Try to read as much as you can and go to youtube to watch how to's of the nursing procedures you listed. I am sure you can find a job as a LPN, and maybe you can ask for the training to be a bit longer? 4 of my friends that I graduated with have found jobs (LPN) but are doing mostly CNA work. It's a tough job market out there. Best wishes!

[miriamlpn]

I'm trying to get back into nursing after being out of it for 10 years because I got pregnant with twins and stayed home with them. I have experience but it is so long ago, it is a hurdle to jump in finding a job now. I went ahead and did CE classes on Nurse.com and got my Florida license by endorsement (I'm licensed in GA). CE classes give you credit for work like refreshing your knowledge that you can include on resumes. At an interview last week, that was something the interviewer liked and made a comment about. I'm expecting a second interview...hoping.

[nurse.lish]

@Denisse-LPN: I hope you find a job soon! Thank you for the support! The only reason I had to quit my last job was because I felt totally out of the loop for not doing any nursing for four years, than BAM! 50+ patients, which half I didn't feel I had any ability to care for whatsoever. It was quite frustrating for me. I bet since you are basically right out of school, you will feel much more at ease with everything. I wish you much luck!

@miriamlpn: I am looking online at refresher courses since it has been so long and I think it is very promising. I think with that on my resume, I should be able to find a job no problem. They even have ones where you take it online and then do clinicals at a site you pick near you! I sure hope it helps me! I wish you luck with your interview and I hope you can get it!