What should I do?

[JoshuaT]

Hi everyone!

Here's my situation: I graduated from nursing school in December 2008. I took the LVN NCLEX in August 2009 and I got my California LVN license in November 2009. Because of financial reasons from not being able to find a job, I moved to Las Vegas in April 2010 to live with relatives. After getting my Nevada LPN license in June 2010, I'm still looking for a job.

My concern is that it's been so long since I've had my only experience in the clinical setting during nursing school. Would this make it virtually impossible for me to be hired? Do you recommend I take an LPN refresher course? I tried to find one online but they don't seem to exist in the area. Perhaps I should look for a CNA job? But there doesn't seem to be any openings in that field for new grads with no experience either.

Basically, I don't really know what to do at this point. Any advice on where I should go from here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[San Diego RN BSN]

I've read somewhere, working as a cna might have an effect on the other cna's once you've been put in charge of them. That's what I read, also I'd say get a job as an LPN first and foremost. I can't help you with anything else, I'm still a student.

[Jdreamer05]

If you fell uncomfortable being put right in the clinical setting, go for it. I didn't start my first lpn job until 1 yr after graduation, but once I started working I got the hang of it..BTW how is the nurse outlook in Vegas, I heard Reno is doing better than Vegas..thats where I am.