Where's the Job?!

Pegasus65 · Jun 30, 2010

I can identify with your situation 100%. I graduated in June of 09. Took me forever to get my license because of a 27 year old DUI. After going through he** and eventually filing a complaint with Secretary of State I finally got my license issued in October. I have tried two LTC facilities, both were awful. I have searched for the last two months to no avail. Everything wants you to have experience, which you can't get if you can't get hired in the first place. I will NOT work in LTC again.

Believe me you are not alone in your frustration. Maybe something will give eventually for both of us.

Another frustrated LPN.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2010

To the original poster: I am assuming that you are in California due to your use of the LVN title and the difficulties that you are encountering. If you are in CA, be advised that you are searching for employment in the midst of one of the most depressed nursing job markets in the nation.

There are several factors for the terrible job market in CA. First of all, there are too many private for-profit LVN programs that are graduating masses of new grads into local job markets every few months when the demand for them is not there. Secondly, more people in the population are uninsured due to job losses, which leads to less patients, which results in a reduced need for nurses. Third, many workplaces deem it more cost-effective to hire experienced nurses who do not need extensive orientations and training since new grads are regarded as expensive to train. Fourth, too many people in CA are retraining for a "new career" in nursing that they feel is recession-proof when, in reality, nursing is very much affected by the economy.

I would apply to every facility within a 50 mile radius of your home, even if they are not hiring at that moment. Submit your applications to the SNFs in person during business hours. For every online application that you submit, follow up in one week. If you have the names of actual hiring managers, HR people, or recruiters, send them "Thank you" cards for supposedly taking the time to consider your application and resume. Network with people, because many jobs these days are found through friends, neighbors, coworkers, former instructors, and acquaintances. If possible, seek volunteer opportunities at healthcare facilities. If you haven't done so already, obtain a BLS CPR card. If you wish to make yourself more marketable, obtain ACLS training. Good luck to you!

dancincc · Jun 30, 2010

I completely concur. I graduated last June (a year ago already!) and still have not found my first job in nursing. My location is in central Ohio. The same kind of scenario.....everyone wants you to have at least a year of experience, don't apply if you don't, etc. I graduated in the top of my class and can't even get interviews. Have worked with a job coach, gotten professional resume help, can't seem to crack the code, whatever it may be. My frustration is turning into lost hope and thinking that all the time, effort, money, putting life on hold for school, etc., was for nil.

Pegasus65 · Jun 30, 2010

Same with me Dancin. I graduated my class with honors. I am scheduled to start taking pre-reqs for RN in a couple of weeks. Frankly I am thinking of withdrawing. Why waste more time and money since I see the RN's are struggling for employment also. When I finish RN I will once again be a "new grad" with NO experience and it will be the same scenario only more time will have went by and more money. My savings can't last forever and I must go to work soon doing something, whether it is nursing or not. I too, am losing hope.

Good luck to everyone.

ogelove · Jun 30, 2010

am a new grad lvn licensed in Jan. but still looking for job am in la. california. can anyone tell me the place hiring new grad because i have been searching without success

guest2210 · Jun 30, 2010

If any of the new LPN/LVN grads had clinicals in any facilities with Epic based electronic medical records, try looking into agencies who are looking for clinical people to assist with support or training in these areas. The pay is pretty good. If you can travel, expenses are covered. EMR has been federally mandated for all hospitals to have EMR by 2016, I believe. PM me if you have any specific questions.

DogWmn · Jul 1, 2010

You also might try volunteering at the Red Cross, you won't get to do nursing things but, it's good to have on a resume and shows you are interesting in working. You only have to volunteer a few hours a week and it can be worth it. Also, they are a good company to work for too and will give you a leg up if you apply to any of their jobs. In some states an LPN can be come a shift super and be in charge of the mobile units with the right amount of training that they provide. Plus your patient population is healthy and happy - they are there volunteering their blood so it's a real positive experience all around. You will learn skills that you can't get any where else.