Really discouraged

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello-

I'm a new graduate LPN who just passed the board exam on 8/8/09. I began my job search on the day I got my results, and have given it a 150% effort - with few real prospects to show for it. My mind is spinning - what should I do? Should I work as a CNA so at least I have some experience and don't lose my connection to the health care field?

All the jobs in my area - and I'm willing to travel an hour or more - require one year of experience. I've spoken with recruiters and the hiring authorities in facilities, and they won't budge on this!

I know it's only been a few weeks, but after working SO hard in school and to prepare and pass the NCLEX exam, I'm feeling like it was all for nothing. :banghead:

  • Would it be wise to work as a CNA while I wait, or will that look strange if I'm a licensed nurse?
  • Should I take some time off and recharge as I wait for an opportunity - luckily, my husband can support me as I do this.
  • How do I keep the faith?

I was one of those who didn't work during school, because I was trying to put my full energy toward the intensive, ten month program. My classmates who did some work are now working as nurses because they had the "in" already. Ok, lesson learned! But now what can I do?

This all looks like whining, and I apologize for that. I would appreciate any thoughts people have....I'm all ears!

Specializes in Psych, Peds (C) LTC (C), L & D, Cardiac.

This is NOT a whiney post at all! Congrats on your LPN!! It IS a real accomplishment. You study the same materials as an RN, just use them in a different capcity.

Skilled nursing facilities ALWAYS need help! I would try there. VA's use LPN's in both long term care & Psych. I would keep looking for a new grad job. I am the chairperson of my VA's Professional Standards Board. We go over new hires info to help set their salary and GS level (same thing really). CNA experience does not help much. Having 1 year LPN experience DOES!!

Don't give up!!

Kathleen

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I am a recently licensed LPN and wanted to get my "feet wet" and tried to apply for CNA type job at a hospital, hoping it would lead to a LPN position, and was told that I would not even be considered for this job because I am now "licensed" as a LPN. Any ideas on how I can gain some experience (everyone wants one year or more clinical experience) as I work my way into a LPN job? I don't think an LPN or RN can work as an CNA or Nursing Tech even if they want to. Any comments?

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

If you have to work as a CNA for a wile to get your foot in the door, then do it if they will let you. Also, go dressed professionally and fill out your applications in person. Often, they may have time to see you the day you show up and you should as "Is there anyone that I can speak to today regarding a position?". You should aim for an LPN position. They may not allow you to work as a CNA since you now have an LPN license. Basically, take what they offer if you can to get your foot in the door. How many facilities are in your area? If there is a prison close to you, you might was to consider applying there. It is good experience and they usually need nurses. The application process is a pain in the A-- but if you can deal with that you can deal with anything.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

i don't think it's possible by law to work as a cna if you are a licensed rn. i was in a very similar situation up until recently, and many are in the same situation. my suggestion is to not give up and to be open to all areas of nursing. what sets you apart from any other new graduate? find that and make that evident.

sometimes the job hunt requires meeting face to face with people and networking. i am typically shy, but i had to get over that reqlly quickly. i went up to a stranger in scrubs to ask them about positions, i went up to one particular place in a nice interview outfit with resume and recommendations in hand, i got tours of facilites, talked to nurses. i never actually got the job at those places, but the networking is still key and i know that since they got a good first impression, i can go to them if or when i need to.

how to keep the faith? i don't know if you're religious, but pray and give yourself a break. i almost went crazy looking for a job and i had my ups and downs. false promises. lies. doors slamming in my face was almost enough to make me curse every nurse that walked this earth. but i didn't. i let myself have a little pity party and then decided to take my time, only apply to where i really wanted to work (because before my goal had been to simply get a job...anywhere, as long as i got a pay check), and let things happen. don't be afraid to pull out the phone book and call people. you may surprise yourself!

and don't skip over the jobs just because they say they want somebody with experience. i personally think it's crazy that they say that, but very few are actually willing to give you experience (it can be an advantage to them, little do they know). keep applying, keep positive. when one door closes, think, "their loss, my gain." they lose you, you gain strength.

but i repeat...you can't work as a cna if you are a nurse. any place that allows you to do so is out of their minds and could be getting you in some deep trouble.

hope for the best

hello-

i'm a new graduate lpn who just passed the board exam on 8/8/09. i began my job search on the day i got my results, and have given it a 150% effort - with few real prospects to show for it. my mind is spinning - what should i do? should i work as a cna so at least i have some experience and don't lose my connection to the health care field?

all the jobs in my area - and i'm willing to travel an hour or more - require one year of experience. i've spoken with recruiters and the hiring authorities in facilities, and they won't budge on this!

i know it's only been a few weeks, but after working so hard in school and to prepare and pass the nclex exam, i'm feeling like it was all for nothing. :banghead:

  • would it be wise to work as a cna while i wait, or will that look strange if i'm a licensed nurse?
  • should i take some time off and recharge as i wait for an opportunity - luckily, my husband can support me as i do this.
  • how do i keep the faith?

i was one of those who didn't work during school, because i was trying to put my full energy toward the intensive, ten month program. my classmates who did some work are now working as nurses because they had the "in" already. ok, lesson learned! but now what can i do?

this all looks like whining, and i apologize for that. i would appreciate any thoughts people have....i'm all ears!

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