Starting to get discouraged

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So here's my situation. I am currently knocking pre-requisite classes out to get in to an ADN program at my college. I have an opportunity to become an LVN first, and then bridge to ADN with no wait list or competition. This would also be a great idea for me to do since I have a wife, and we would like to be pulling in more income (I'm stuck with a low paying dead end job at the moment.) Anyway, my problem is that more and more people I talk to are saying that there are hardly any job opportunities for LVNs, and if you're a new grad, forget about it. I think I just need someone to tell me that there are jobs out there, and that I wont be sinking my money in to something that I really shouldn't.

I know the smart thing would be to get my ADN, then get BSN (I dont't have the time or money to go BSN right now.) But I was hoping someone could tell me it wasn't hopeless to become a VN first. I really want to be a nurse, and I really need a better job like pronto. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

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There are jobs out there, but usually not in hospitals.

They are in

LTC

Subacute rehab

Clinics

DR office

Etc.

As long as your heat is not set to start in a hospital then no problem.

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There are jobs out there, but usually not in hospitals.

They are in

LTC

Subacute rehab

Clinics

DR office

Etc.

As long as your heat is not set to start in a hospital then no problem.

I don't mind working in any of those settings. I have actually worked in LTC as a CNA. I guess I was just freaked out because someone said, and I quote, "there is no job market for LVNs anymore. ESPECIALLY in California." I'm just gonna go ahead and do it. It is what I have always wanted to do, and it seems like the most convenient way given my situation. Thanks kimynurse.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Jobs are tough out there for every profession......there is no nursing shortage. It is estimated that 43% of all new grads....LPN/ADN/BSN are unemployed and under employed. Search the site.....type no nursing shortage, new grads looking for jobs in the que box.

The job market in CA is especially tight with estimates as high as 47% of new grads are unemployed.

The average job search is about 15-18 months after graduation. There are areas in the country that are better and some that are worse......the economy stinks for nurses as well and it is an extremely competitive market.

I wish you the best on your nursing journey!

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Jobs are tough out there for every profession......there is no nursing shortage. It is estimated that 43% of all new grads....LPN/ADN/BSN are unemployed and under employed. Search the site.....type no nursing shortage, new grads looking for jobs in the que box.

The job market in CA is especially tight with estimates as high as 47% of new grads are unemployed.

The average job search is about 15-18 months after graduation. There are areas in the country that are better and some that are worse......the economy stinks for nurses as well and it is an extremely competitive market.

I wish you the best on your nursing journey!

Well 43% of new grads unemployed is a high number, but thankfully I'm overly optimistic, and that actually gives me some sort of hope.i can actually say I have never not been offered a job I've interviewed for. Who knows, maybe my charm and dashingly good looks wont work to get a nursing job haha jk. Thanks Esme :p

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It's sad, but usually true... Males are more likely to be hired than Females as an rn. So your chances might be better. Plus you have some CNa exp. go for the RN if you have the opportunity. The thought of having had to take two nclex exams which are somewhat similar is too stressful IMO. Also, by the time you graduate, things may change by then. There is actually a shortage of experienced nurses, so if push comes to shove, last resort would be to move out of state to get one yr of acute hospital experience. Usually it's much easier to get a job after that - then move back home. You can do it and will find a job. Gl and welcome to the nursing fam!

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It's sad but usually true... Males are more likely to be hired than Females as an rn. So your chances might be better. Plus you have some CNa exp. go for the RN if you have the opportunity. The thought of having had to take two nclex exams which are somewhat similar is too stressful IMO. Also, by the time you graduate, things may change by then. There is actually a shortage of experienced nurses, so if push comes to shove, last resort would be to move out of state to get one yr of acute hospital experience. Usually it's much easier to get a job after that - then move back home. You can do it and will find a job. Gl and welcome to the nursing fam![/quote']

I would look in to an RN program that has no wait list, but those usually cost waaay more money since they are at private schools. Although I would love to just jump in to the RN program I just think I could do this faster if I bridge at my college. I have definitely thought about moving out of state. I have family in Texas that work in hospitals, and could probably get me a job. I will definitely leave this option open. Hopefully things just work out, and I can a job here though. My wife would be so unhappy if she had to move away from her family :(

Anyway, thanks everyone for your support. I'm sure y'all have heard this story a million times.

And that doesn't seem fair that males get hired over women :/ It should be based on qualification, experience, etc.

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

If you graduate as an LPN, you also have the option of getting tuition reimbursement for school. Your ADN will practically be payed for while you work. It's a nice thing if you strapped for cash.

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I would do LPN then bridge to ADN. In fact that is what I am doing. There are jobs out there for LPNs and if there's not you're still doing the ADN anyways. So during the bridge it sounds like you work as an LPN or stay where you are, I wouldn't say that's a losing situation.

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If you graduate as an LPN you also have the option of getting tuition reimbursement for school. Your ADN will practically be payed for while you work. It's a nice thing if you strapped for cash.[/quote']

Lol lord knows I'm strapped for cash these days. Kind of sucks too because we want to have a baby, but it's just not gonna happen right now since we are struggling a bit :/

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Specializes in CVICU Open Heart.

I think if I were in your situation, I would get the LVN/LPN first, then bridge. At least you will be working on becoming a nurse while doing prerequisites to become a nurse :wacky:, instead of just taking prerequisites to apply to the program (then, you have the waiting list). So, you will be doing what you would have been doing anyways, only you will be obtaining a certificate/diploma in the meantime. Then, voila, you are already a nurse and get right into the ADN, which makes the "wait" a little more manageable in my eyes :) I hope I am making sense lol. As far as job opportunities, I fully agree with the above posts. Many of the LVN/LPN jobs are in LTC, but they are available, especially with you having experience in the field.

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I think you should stick with it and search for opportunities out there. Don't give up now!

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