Some Advice about your future..

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I graduated and LVN program in December of 2008. All throughout the program, I worked full time as a CNA, and then in October of 2008, I got layed off due to "budget cuts"(I was working at a research center). Anyhow, while I was unemployed, I looked for CNA jobs at hospitals that hired LVN's. The reason I did this was because it is much easier to transition into an LVN position from CNA at a hospital, opposed to just getting ur license and looking for jobs who say, "one year of experience required". Many new LVN's find it very hard to find a job right after getting their license. Anyhow, after 4 months of looking, I landed a job at an acute care/long term care(med/surg) hospital as a CNA. I took my boards on March 19th, just recently passed, told my DON and asked her if there was an LVN position open. Guess what she said? "We will create a position for you!" So my advice to all of you LVN/LPN students, find a job as a CNA at a place where they hire LVN's. You will have a better chance of getting a job as an LVN/LPN right away, opposed to being rejected by all of these places who want nurses with at least a years experience.

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Doesn't the year of clinicals that you do through in LVN school count towards the 1 year of experience? I think your idea is a solid one. Thanks for the tip.

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If the year of clinicals was counted towards experience, most new graduates wouldnt' get turned down for jobs. Clinicals don't really count with most places.

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I think that it does count for something, and although it is not the same as a year of working somewhere full time -- it is still experience. I don't think that people are turned down soley on lack of a full years experience, after all there are a lot of factors that are involved with hiring someone.

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Great advice...Thanks!

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I just got my LVN license in April and is having such a hard time getting a job, you think the best way is to take a CNA job and then transition over to LVN?

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That's great advice! Thanks!

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Specializes in Rehabilitation; LTC; Med-Surg.
Doesn't the year of clinicals that you do through in LVN school count towards the 1 year of experience? I think your idea is a solid one. Thanks for the tip.

Can't speak for other nursing programs, but we are required a minimum of 400 hours clinical experience in 10 months. That only averages out to 2.5 months "full-time."

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Can't speak for other nursing programs, but we are required a minimum of 400 hours clinical experience in 10 months. That only averages out to 2.5 months "full-time."

I don't think the ft/pt distinction matters to most employers. Some people never work full time at any job - either they don't have to, or they don't want to. Sometimes pt is all people can find, some people have enough income from other sources that they don't need to work ft, and some ppl have young children and don't want to work ft. This doesn't mean they can never claim experience.

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I just got my LVN license in April and is having such a hard time getting a job, you think the best way is to take a CNA job and then transition over to LVN?

No..I am saying for LPN/LVN students who have their CNA certificate, to look for a job as CNA at a facitility where they hire LVN's a couple of months before graduating. That way your chances of getting hired at that facility are much better then having to search for a LVN/LPN as a new grad.

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I need someone to hear this I'm so ****** about - having to take a CNA position at a agency that's only paying $10 - I'm a new LPn grad and can-not find a job - I 've done everything been everywhere and called everybody- I'm tired - my husband was handling the bills while I attended school and right before I finish he had gotten laid off - and now I can't get employment - I have no other choice but to take this job this is not what I went to school for - and I have a whole houshold and mega bills to pay -I've tried applying for

cna,

tech., med clerk, phelbotomist - and no one is hiring me for anything - and I've had my license since FEB. - I have to take anything because our home is about to go in forclosur, and our car note and everything else is pass due - help in baltimore - I though i would be making ok income to support my family

sign : what is going on

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what that person is saying about getting a cna job before you graduate is the best thing you can do - to get your foot in the door - because when I contact jobs . they are eager to hire when they think I'm experience - however when I say I'm a new grad - they say try back when you get some experience else where

:cry:

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