Quick Q from a New Nurse!

[wrightLPN]

I have recently graduated and passed my nursing boards for LPN. I have yet to complete my 120 mandatory hours, and I am seeking a job. Do new nurses have to settle for lower grade jobs due to lack of experience?? Also, how much lower pay should we expect before completion of the 120 hours, and then therefore after?

Also, when going on interviews...do you have to tell them you accept the job then and there? Or can you say you will let them know, that you are keeping your options open? And you will inform them of your decision asap. I don't wanna settle for the first place that calls me and hate it, but I also dont wanna be w/o a job. I am not sure on how to go about this..

Any answers or suggestions??

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

I did not have to complete 120 hrs after my program so I can't comment on that part. Why do you need to complete 120 hours if you've already passed your boards?

If you are lucky enough to get a job offer on the spot and do need to think about it then let them know when you will have your decision and follow through with that. I have never had that happen as a nursing interviewee. There are many nurses for each position around here so I was happy to get a job.

Congrats to you!!!

[wrightLPN]

In Kentucky you have to complete 120 under the supervision of a nurse. You have to do this before you submit your NCLEX results and college transcript or whatever to get your license in the mail. So untill then you are considered a Practical Nurse Applicant. I have had a mock interview and the guy said I was hired. He told me as soon as I passed my boards I had a job if I wanted. This is why I was questiong when I start looking, I didnt know if that was common or not. But when I was a CNA the same thing happend. They always ask me, 'when can you start.' I dont want to have to make a decision then and there...excpecially if im still looking. But I dont want to miss out if nothing else comes along.