LiqueXX

I am in the same situation. I got lucky by looking for a mentoring program (Interim Healthcare) in my area. I asked on interviewer the same question, "how am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me because I am a new grad?" They had no real answer.

One difference I heard was that a BSN makes it easier to go into management.

Congrats on passing. I hear that alot of people who passed leave the test feeling like they failed. Could you give us tips on what you did to study?

Honestly, I have never thought of just applying in hospitals. As a new grad in Ohio working in a LTC was and is a given (there are not many hospitals hiring LPNs). That being said, I think you have to be flexible, examples are, you can commute, work part time or 3rd shift, and/ or network with other students.

Also, per Suzanne's sticky (at the top of the forum) you should have Saunder's Comp book all depending on what NCLEX you are studying for. It also states you must go through the end of chapter tests.

I am so happy you passed. I was going to say that you should not assume you failed before finding out your results but there is no need for that. Good luck with your nursing career.

Congrats! I agree that people need to sometimes just believe that they can accomplish something.

I think that the OP makes a valid point. I have never had test anxiety before studying for the NCLEX. I don't like the feeling and I think that it will effect my result. So, I am now working to calm my anxiety as well as study for the actual test.

Congrats, and thanks for sharing your tips.

I am definitely going on to get my RN. I agree with others, being an LPN is very limiting, and it seems like there are more opportunities in being an RN. I was going to got the LPN to BSN route but I think I am going to get my ADN first because it takes less time to complete. I also heard that there is not much difference in being an RN with an ADN versus one with a BSN (with a BSN you can move onto mangagement).

Have you tried calling up the various hospitals and nursing homes in the area and asking if they are hiring or are you just looking at help wanted ads? Also, I think the commuting idea is a good one, I am going to be job hunting soon after I take the boards and I am willing to commute for my first job.

In our last quarter of school we were told to apply to jobs even if they asked for experience. One student in my class suggested call up nursing homes in the area and asking about jobs because not everyone who needs nurses advertise.

I was wondering if anyone knew the starting pay rate for a new grad in central Ohio? Also, how hard is it to actually find a job?

Congrats! I wish you well with your new career.

I am also studying for the NCLEX-PN. I agree with everybody but I also want to add that you have to believe that you will pass.