lpndana

I would say yes and no. It depends on how easy it is to find a job as a new LPN in your area. I actually wanted to gain experience as an LPN first and continue school to become an RN. In my area it is pretty difficult to find a job as an LPN, even in nursing homes, they want 1 year of experience. So in my case, the answer is definately - no! As for RNs, it doesn't matter if you're a new grad, many employers hire you while you're still in school, or they give you a bonus on top - at least in the D.C. area. Find out if employers hire new LPNs in your area, also consider where you want to work, in my case it is almost impossible to find a job in a hospital, they all hire RNs. I hope this was helpful. Dana

I paid about 10,000 and of course uniforms excluded. I went to school in D.C., so it's no big surprise that I paid more, pretty expensive area. On top of the 10K, we also had to pay for a new nursing software to prepare for the NCLEX-PN. I passed the first time I took my boards, but I don't think the computer tests were really helpful. Dana

Hello, After going through all the stress of nursing school and the NCLEX PN, here I am now looking for a job and nobody wants me :-) We only hire experienced nurses - ok, I would love to be experienced, but how, if nobody wants to give me a chance? I graduated with a 96% A average, I was the best clinical nursing student, and here I am, asking myself why I didn't buy a new car instead of spending money on my LPN program. I actually wanted to go back to school this summer for the RN bridge program, but now I don't have the money - because I don't have a job. I really wanted to work for a hospital to improve my nursing skills, but all I have seen so far is people telling me - oh no honey, we only hire RNs. I have tried agencies, they don't want you at all obviously - if you don't have at least one year of nursing experience under your belt. One 'lady' even hung up on me on the phone, when I asked her politely if I could put in my application anyway - how nice is that? So here is my question, what is the best way to find a job as a new LPN? I have tried the newspapers, the internet, and so on. What other resources can I use? It seems like the number of LPN jobs is very limited, at least I don't find too many ads for LPNs. I live in the D.C. Metro area, anybody who has had similar experiences and who can give me some advice? What am I doing wrong? Thank you in advance Dana