Question for all So Cal new grad LVNs...!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2011

Unless you know a hiring manager or have some type of inside connection, finding that first job as a new LVN in southern CA with no experience is very difficult due to the economic situation. It is not impossible, but very difficult. Hospitals, SNFs, nursing homes, home health agencies, and clinics in the area are usually seeking at least one year of nursing experience because they do not want to pay to train new grads. In addition, there are more than 100 private LVN programs in the area producing new nurses every three months, which is saturating a local job market that is devoid of jobs.

You are going to need to make yourself more marketable than the masses of other unemployed new grad LVNs in southern CA. I would get certified in BLS, ACLS, wound care, and any other certifications that would appeal to employers. I would also volunteer at a hospital, hospice, or other healthcare setting to stay relevant. Walk into facilities between the hours of 9 and 5, dress nicely, and have your resume in hand while you ask to complete applications in person. Try to network and meet with other nurses, because they often know about job openings that are not advertised.

You say that you graduate in two weeks. Keep in mind that your desirability to potential employers is nonexistent in this economy until you have passed NCLEX.

QB106 · Jun 24, 2011

Unless you know a hiring manager or have some type of inside connection, finding that first job as a new LVN in southern CA with no experience is very difficult due to the economic situation. It is not impossible, but very difficult. Hospitals, SNFs, nursing homes, home health agencies, and clinics in the area are usually seeking at least one year of nursing experience because they do not want to pay to train new grads. In addition, there are more than 100 private LVN programs in the area producing new nurses every three months, which is saturating a local job market that is devoid of jobs.
You are going to need to make yourself more marketable than the masses of other unemployed new grad LVNs in southern CA. I would get certified in BLS, ACLS, wound care, and any other certifications that would appeal to employers. I would also volunteer at a hospital, hospice, or other healthcare setting to stay relevant. Walk into facilities between the hours of 9 and 5, dress nicely, and have your resume in hand while you ask to complete applications in person. Try to network and meet with other nurses, because they often know about job openings that are not advertised.
You say that you graduate in two weeks. Keep in mind that your desirability to potential employers is nonexistent in this economy until you have passed NCLEX.

VERY true. everywhere i look there is someone going to nursing school.. my plan is to seek employment anywhere in southern california and i will go as far up north as san bernadino, bakersfield, etc because I have nothing tying me down to OC so if the right opportunity comes than i am all for it.. thanks for the advice~ !

MsHelloKitty,LVN · Jun 24, 2011

Good luck to you...:)I've been licensed for a couple of months, have applied pretty much everywhere within a 60 mile radius and Nothing!!!!! I'm not in a position to relocate, so I have to just keep trying...... :uhoh3:

SquishyRN, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2011

Yes, NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!! Most jobs aren't advertised and are found out by word of mouth. Even if there is an opening to a place you walk into, chances are it's going to be filled by someone who got referred by someone working there. That's how I got my jobs. If you're taking pre-requisite classes for your RN, don't underestimate networking there too. Some of those people may already be working somewhere as a CNA, LVN, etc and might be able to refer you.

And... Bring your own pen!! Maybe it's just me (and my coworkers XD) but it's annoying when someone walks up to the nurses station to fill out an application and isn't prepared with their own pen. I mean, they knew they set out to fill out applications so why wouldn't they bring one? I always bring my own pen. One applicant even had the audacity to ask me for the one I was using while I was charting when I told her I didn't have another one. You can believe that when I handed that person's application to the DON, I shook my head no and they promptly stuck it to the bottom of a very tall pile of apps. Generally speaking, be prepared and be nice to everyone the second you walk in, even just to fill out an app.

QB106 · Jun 27, 2011

WOW Squishy LVN.. i wouldnt hire that person either LOL.. no common sense at all.. thanks for the advice :)

gabicali · May 12, 2014

Hello, I graduated from the LVN program in January and Just received my temporary license this month while they are processing my original and I am going through the same problem. I currently work as a caregiver part time while looking for an lvn job but I am getting a little discouraged. So with reading this post I just want to say thank you to you all for the advice.