Tips for a zero-experience nurse?

dishes, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2016

Seems like you do not have proof of recent nursing practice hours or education within the past four years, have you been referred to a nursing refresher program?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2016

Where did you complete your BSN?

AB is a tough market since oil has plummeted. Without recent experience, you will find it almost impossible to find work. There are plenty of fresh new grads.

Consider enrolling in a nursing refresher course as soon as possible. Good luck!

honeyshota · Jul 16, 2016

Hi. I have been working as a Nursing Attendant from 2011 to 2016. I was able to get a license within the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta without having the need of any upgrades - just went straight for the exam, passed it, then I got licensed. Also got the minimum training companies require which is the BCLS-HCP.

As for my RN upgrading, it is still on processing.

I'm just hoping if there are any ways to increase my chances of getting accepted as an LPN here in Alberta.

honeyshota · Jul 16, 2016

Hi. Thanks for the reply, joanna73. I would like to be enlightened how a nursing refresher course would be able to help me find work? I'm wondering from the employer's perspective with this question.

Again, thanks.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2016

Nursing attendant work is not considered licensed nursing work and doesn't count towards proof of recent nursing practice hours. Look up CLPNA registration requirements, evidence of recent nursing practice experience or education within the past four years is one of the requirements. If you were licensed before your proof of education expired, but it has since expired, employers may consider your knowledge and skills stale and have concerns about your ability to provide safe patient care, a refresher course will alleviate these concerns.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2016

If you have not provided direct patient care within the LPN scope of practice for more than a year, the employer likely won't consider you for hire.

There are thousands of new graduates entering the workforce every 6 months that have recent hands on clinical skills experience, in addition to experienced LPNs.

Whether you require it or not, consider enrolling in a nursing refresher course. I can honestly say that we would not hire you without it at my workplace.

As Dishes mentioned, health care aide experience does not count.

honeyshota · Jul 16, 2016

I checked tuition fees for a refresher course in my location. It appears that the total tuition fee for it costs $11,000. I'm afraid but this is something I cannot pay because it is too expensive for my current situation.

As much as I want to become an LPN now, (and hopefully waiting for a good outcome from my RN application ongoing), what alternative can I do instead of this course that's asking for a hefty amount of money?

dishes, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2016

Have you asked your nursing attendant employer if they have openings and are willing to hire you as a LPN?

honeyshota · Jul 16, 2016

They don't have doctors and nurses employed because this is residential-based home care for mentally handicapped people. When a medical staff is needed, they coordinate with Alberta Health Services.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2016

It is difficult to pay for additional education, in the past some IENs received bursaries through Canadian nurses foundation; RBC diversity in nursing fund and some obtained loans through immigrant access fund org. You can check school websites for education funding options.

Also have you applied to rural areas? Employers who receive fewer applicants may be willing to consider you.

honeyshota · Jul 16, 2016

As much as I don't want to admit it here, but I am paying for a lot of stuff right now that I am sure I will not be granted loans as of this moment. I quit my nursing attendant job due to burn-out as well as so I can "finally" put all my attention to transitioning to nursing, considering that I became too ignorant of the past years that I wasted because I wasted all my time focusing in this job instead of improving my career.

I would be interested in rural areas as long as I can land a sureball job. I don't mind it being a 30-minute one-way drive if that's what it takes as long as I get started as a nurse and pay my bills. I'm just not oriented with the rural areas around Edmonton and Sherwood Park as of right now but I will also look into that with high hopes.