What will it take to get a job as a new LPN?

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Talk about a shock:woot:

I went into my PN program thinking that because I had X amount of years as an aid it would be an easy transition into nursing. - Ooooh you naive naive little girl you- Here it is 4 months post graduation and I cannot get an LPN position. I've only been on 3 interviews one resulting in a possible hire after the holidays( per diem Max of a whopping 10 day orientation) the other they are still "narrowing it down" - state job and the other I didn't hear back from. I have easily sent over 500 applications just since I've had my license since the beginning of October. I've applied to every where and every where in a 40 mile radius that I finally buckled and applied for a PA endorsement license.( I live in NJ) I've called HR and just about every facility, reached out to staffing, sent emails, and more recently reached out DIRECTLY to DON's and let me tell you none of them were thrilled about it.

What do want or need from me? Clearly I'm EAGER. I'm calling you directly humiliating myself basically praying you take it as initiative and not stalker-ish. I want to LEARN and make some money so I can continue with school.

My soul? My first born? I am for the first time since graduating completely and totally mentally EXHAUSTED. And VERY discouraged to the point of depression. I'm sure no one has the golden ticket answer for me but I just really needed to vent. I tell my fiancé or friends or family and all they say is "be patient." I've been patient. I want to work! And I'm scared to death the new graduate won't apply to me for too much longer. I feel like I'm no better then my previous position as an aide because as each day goes by I'm losing any and all skills or knowledge I had before. I literally had to google the difference between a CT and MRI today :nailbiting: All I want for Christmas is a job. As a matter of fact I'll work a double. Please nursing gods just give me a job!!!

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I literally had to google the difference between a CT and MRI today :nailbiting: All I want for Christmas is a job. As a matter of fact I'll work a double. Please nursing gods just give me a job!!!

If you're willing to move further south, you might be able to speed things up substantially.

And don't worry about googling things like that- I still do it after being an RN for seven years. There are some medications that I have to look up every time I give them because they just don't stick in my head for some reason.

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Moving isn't an option. :( Southern NJ has a plethora of LTC and skilled nursing facilities. Apparently I'm just not marketable.

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I know your frustration. The South Jersey/Philly area is just a tough place to land a nursing job (I like to blame the fact that there's at least 15 nursing schools in the area.) I'm a new RN and reluctantly commute 45 minutes South to work although there's hospitals less than 3 miles from my house. I hope you find something soon!! Stay positive, something will come :)

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I was in your position , I was very upset and it took me 5 months to find my first rn job. Keep searching and widen your horizons, you will find a job. Now that I have started my first job at skilled rehab, hospitals are calling me for interviews. Like someone said, stay positive , you will get a job soon.

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Moving isn't an option. :( Southern NJ has a plethora of LTC and skilled nursing facilities. Apparently I'm just not marketable.

My suggestion is to have somebody else look at your resume to make sure that it is free of writing errors and fits the usual format. Also, make sure you have the right references.

Don't expect a long orientation in longterm care, consider other places as well, even if it is just per diem - you want to get experience.

Here in my area they actually have "walk in hours" for LPN where LPN show up with their resume for an "ad hoc" consideration. That is often better than phoning because they want to see you to figure out if you are a good fit.

Polish your interview skills for those walk-in gigs.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's a very saturated market. Have someone review your resume for errors, readability and key words.

Go to your school sometimes employers contact them.

LTC

acute rehab

subscute rehab

clinic

children's specialized outpatient

dialysis

physician office

hospiral affiliated practices

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Forgive me, I have not thoroughly read every response. Have you had anyone review your resume, practiced interview techniques, asked for letters of recommendation from former professors/employers/coworkers?

Another thought, sometimes being "EAGER" can come across a desperate.

just trying to be constructive, not critical. Most places I know of would love having you on their staff!

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Im right there with you, going through the same. I waited until I passed the NCLEX before I sent out my resume, at the end September. And Ive had offers of Per Diem which im limited from due to daycare guidelines. Or evening/Nights. Try westchester County, NY. If you have flexibility, theyll take you.

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Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

God bless your heart.

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God bless your heart.

:roflmao:

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Im right there with you, going through the same. I waited until I passed the NCLEX before I sent out my resume, at the end September. And Ive had offers of Per Diem which im limited from due to daycare guidelines. Or evening/Nights. Try westchester County, NY. If you have flexibility, theyll take you.

It's awful.. sigh

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