Nursing Shortgage... NO NOT REALLY!

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Specializes in Internal Medicine,Surgery, Wound Care.

Well, I am frustrated when I hear there is a nursing shortage. I have been looking for a job in my county since I graduated in June 2008. I do have a job... but it is in another county. I have to drive 48 minutes, no rain, no traffic, no ice, no storm in order to get to work.

I am dying to work in the hospital, but the state of NEW YORK is not hiring the LPN. There is one hospital and I did apply.... and of course, they will see if I am a good fit and contact me, if not, they will keep me on file. NOW, what do they mean good fit????? They haven't even interviewed me yet to see where I'd fit in.

Which brings me to the topic: The nursing shortage is only in regards to the RN. So now i have to try to get the RN in order to have a job I really want OR I have to move to PA, CT, VA, FL or CA in order to get a LPN job in the hospital.

Is there anyone else experiencing this problem in the state of NY??????

Most of the employers I send to don't even answer me. AND the one that did recently says they will only pay $16.00 to $17.00 in a DR's office.... What is up with this??

I'd love to hear your stories...

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It's the same story here in IN. When I was in LPN school LPN's were used quite a bit in the hospital setting. Not now. Shoot even getting into a Dr's office is becoming a challenge. They want CMAs. LTC is hiring us still. For some LTC is great. I however was burned by them too many times to go back. I am currently working in a Dr's office. I love being able to work with children, but it is hard to survive on the little money I am paid. Oh well. I am still very happy and greatful to still have a job in these times. I want to back to school, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. I have been told by many RN's that hospitals go through phases. They will use LPNs, then they don't, then they bring them back.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I don't think there has been a shortage of LPNs and now RNs in different areas are complaining also. Hang in there and if you really have your heart set on a hosptial job and your area requires RN I'd consider working toward it. Good luck.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Where in New York are you applying? I have observed recently that they are not hiring as many LPNs in hospitals as they were, especially with two major hospitals closing down in Queens. My job is not laying LPNs off, but are not replacing them as they leave. Funny, the two hospitals that closed had many LPNs, but, now, that is changing, it seems. I have also seen over the years that it swings from one side of the pendulum to the other...sometimes, they take RNs by the boatloads, then, suddenly, they are too expensive and go the LPN route.

I suspect that because some hospitals are applying for Magnet Status, they see no need for LPNs like they used to. Good luck! Corrections seems to need LPNs these days.

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Specializes in Internal Medicine,Surgery, Wound Care.

HI.. I now live up in Dutchess county. I used to live in Queens. Matter of fact, I was just there, my father lives there. I heard about the hospital closing, such a shame. I am going to move forward and get the RN. It will take me a little while as I have to go part time. PA can't get enough LPN's and FL as well. I hate FL, wouldn't live there if you paid the rent. lol. PA is an option, but not at this time.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Best of luck to you in your educational and career pursuits!

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I live in FL, I'm a new LPN.. took me almost two months to finally get a job. Landed one in a ALF/LTC/Rehab place (they put me on rehab), I love it. Here in FL, it's getting hard to get a job in the hospitals as a LPN (In Sarasota anyway).

Good luck

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