having trouble getting an lpn job

Published

Specializes in LTC, Alzheimer's, Home Care, Pediatrics.

I just got licensed as an lpn and finding it difficult to find a Job. I've been to three ltc facilities and they all tell me they want one years experience. I posted my resume on a couple of job sites and all I get are requests to do flu shots or the military. Currently im working as a recreation aide and applied where I work and Im getting the run around, and now I'm not sure now that I want to work there. I just feel Im not wanted there.

I don't see many ads in the paper for lpns and I'm real worried now. I'm older and in my 40s and wonder if there is age discrimination, plus being male. I'm starting to feel depressed cause all I hear about is the nursing shortage but no one is hiring.

need some advice

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Where do you live? I'm about to graduate and am getting concerned about the lack of LPN jobs I'm finding.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that the nursing shortage isn't as severe in urban areas. I live in a rural town and the requirements for being hired here are a pulse and a license.

Are you in large cities?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in the bay area, california. I've noticed that a lot of the LPN jobs here are being run out of the hospitals, and that is just happening recently. A year ago when I started school I found a lot of jobs in the hospitals around here, but now I can't find any for LPNs, just RNs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma/ED.

Always helps to know someone...do you know anyone maybe from school who has been hired somewhere and can give you a recommendation?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't, I will graduate from a school in Boise, ID and then I'm moving back to the bay area after I take the NCLEX in October. (I only moved up here to go to school). Here, it's easy to find a job, but unfortunately I don't want to stay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Long term care, Jess. Unfortunately, big cities are not using a lot of LPNs except in LTC. And that's only because we're cheaper. Here, I do the exact same work as an RN except for initial assessments, starting IV's and hanging blood, but I'm paid $9 an hour less. I WILL be getting my RN.

Oh, as to sexism - I haven't seen any. In fact, males are disproportionately represented as managers. I don't really think that's a problem.

HTH.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is what I have been expecting. Honestly I don't think I will mind working LTC while I go through RN school. I say that now lol but we will see. Ideally I would like to find a dr.'s office or clinic but I know the chances of that are little.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That is what I have been expecting. Honestly I don't think I will mind working LTC while I go through RN school. I say that now lol but we will see. Ideally I would like to find a dr.'s office or clinic but I know the chances of that are little.

Actually, the chances of finding a doctor's office are pretty good, and that's low pressure which will be important if you're going to school as well as working. I'm doing the RN through Excelsior but California doesn't accept them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

yea i know :( (about excelsior). but it's ok i plan to go to Cal State. hopefully i can find a dr.'s office...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Alzheimer's, Home Care, Pediatrics.

I live in Central north New Jersey, lots of nursing homes here around me and thought Id have a chance, but so far nothing. I want to work in LTC. financially I can't afford to go for an RN plus there are waiting lists. the lpn program wiped out my savings. hate to sound so down. Im told that my clinicals in school counts as a years worth of clinical experience but employers so far said NO. Truth is there is no shortage.

I think I made a terrible mistake.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, I'm so sorry.

Have you applied to all of the facilities in your commutable area? The papers here always have the same facilities advertising. Nothing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion