Why I Became an LVN

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I'm so glad that I decided to become an LVN. It took a lot of hard work, time, and so much more. I learned so much that I can use to take better care of myself, my family, and my fellow man. I feel like a whole new person. I have a whole new outlook on life that allows me to see things for what they really are. A lot of sacrifices had to be made to become what I am today. I lost almost all my friends, my girlfriend broke up with me, I became broke and in debt, all for the sake of learning. I was told I would never be any good as an LVN, so that made me want to strive even harder to get my license. I was so proud the day I got my license. It validated everything that I had gone through in the last year.

Cut to several months later. I'm a full fledged LVN. I am IV certified. I am unemployed. I thought becoming an LVN would be a good thing. Instead, it was one big joke. There are no jobs for new grads. No facility wants to take a chance on a new grad, period. I've even tried for volunteer work, and I still don't have enough experience to be qualified to work for free. An LVN license is nice to show off to your friends for a few weeks, until you realize it means nothing. No one understands that you need years of experience to even get a job as an LVN. I look like one big huge failure since I can't get a job anywhere.

It's even worse when people keep telling me "so and so said they're hiring nurses because there's a nursing shortage, so how come you can't get a job?" It seems to amaze me how many people who have nothing to do with nursing magically think nursing jobs are falling off trees. No one takes the time to ask exactly why new grads can't get a job. Once you explain it to them, they don't believe you. Instead, you're one big idiot who thought they would get a decent career started after schooling and licensure. Well, I guess the joke's on me.

I honestly thought this would be a good springboard into a new career. I wish I was smart enough to never even sign up for school, since I just wasted a year of my life and $30,000. I want to go for my RN soon, but I still need to finish my pre-reqs before I even can apply. Even after that, it's still a 2 year waiting period at most schools to begin the RN program. I'm starting to think this is all one big scam. I love nursing, and I want nothing more than to start my career. I should have done more research before going in to school. If I knew then that I'd be broke and unemployed even after working my ass off in school and getting licensed, I would never have signed on the dotted line at all.

I know there's a recession going on, and I know the job market is very tough, but this is absolutely ridiculous. I've put out close to 300 resumes and applications, and have only gotten 2 interviews. Both of those interviews were a waste of time, since the moment I walked in the door, I wasn't "what they wanted". Apparently I need to speak more than just English and French to even get a job in this backward state, regardless of whether I am more qualified or not. I have received more letters saying to stop applying more than anything else. Most HR people I call will either not talk to me directly or even return my phone calls.

At this point, I don't even want to tell people I'm an LVN. It's embarrassing when you spent time to do a job and then not have a single job available for you to do. When people ask me if they should go into nursing, I sadly tell them "no". There are no jobs whatsoever. Becoming a nurse is one big scam, and to those who profit off of idiots like myself, my hat is off to you. May you enjoy the thousands of dollars you're making off of people who won't get a chance to use anything of what they have learned outside of their own home. Everyday I stare my new scrubs and Littman stethoscope and wonder, "Can I still return these? They haven't been used!"

My opinion is jaded for sure, but this is not uncommon amongst new grads. Being a new LVN right now is another way for saying "I'm unemployed". If you're in school for your LVN right now, see if you can still back out and get a refund. Run, don't walk, away from this license since it will get you nothing. You won't get a job because you're not an RN, and you have no experience, which means you have no chance in this field. So I'm glad I became an LVN. I finally realized how stupid I was all along. Becoming an LVN has become almost pointless. In the end, I'm the idiot who decided this was a good idea. At least I'm an idiot with a state-printed card for a job that I'll never get to do.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You must be in California, which is suffering from masses of new LVNs with not enough jobs to go around for everyone who would like to work. If you visit the BVNPT's website of approved vocational nursing programs, there are several hundred LVN schools in Southern California alone. The end result is masses of new nurses being churned into an overly saturated job market when the demand for them simply is not there.

I am so very sorry for your job woes.

It it possible to move out of state? There are many other states that are friendly toward LPN/LVN new grads. I completed an LVN program in the Los Angeles area 4 years ago, but saw the writing on the wall with the job situation before graduation and moved out of the state. In the city where I live, a new grad LVN can get a job within 24 hours of receiving his/her license.

Good luck to you, and keep up the hope.

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Specializes in School LVN, Peds HH.

I feel your pain. I'm still a fairly new grad, just renewed my license for the first time actually. I've had two LVN jobs. One of which bounced all my pay checks (took me like 3 months AFTER I left to get all my money) and the other absolutely refused to work with my availability... kept scheduling me the shifts I wasn't able to work.

I honestly want to work in acute care, but sadly, with us Cali LVN's, landing a job like that is like winning the lottery. I'd settle for home health, or a doctors office, but those want lots of experience (of course).

As much as I hate the fact that I spent $25k on LVN school, I think it did point me in the right direction. RN is my ultimate goal, maybe even CRNA. As much as I'd love to put my license to use, I've accepted that its not going to happen. So, I stick with plan b, get my pre-reqs done, and continue working towards my ultimate goal :)

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I have recently begun to apply for out of state positions, which as of late I spend more time doing out of state applications more than anything within the state. As for TheCommuter, man you hit it right on the head. I graduated in good ol' Southern California, where we do have boatloads of LVN programs. Within a 10 mile radius of the school I went to, I believe there were also 7 other LVN training programs going on. I more than believe the area is oversaturated with nurses, it's just a shame since no one else believes that (talking about people outside of nursing). I spent the first month applying to places locally, then in the following months I began applying well outside my county (I'm in Orange County, which I think is probably the worst area for new grads outside of major metropolitan areas like LA, SF, etc). I ultimately do have plans to move out of state, it just seems I might be forced to now out of necessity as opposed to out of pure choice. I would definitely start on my RN schooling, but financially it just isn't in the works. My original plan was to get my LVN until I had enough to cover living costs during RN schooling (loans doing the rest), work as an LVN and get my last remaining pre-reqs done, then do RN, then finally CRNA(not too ambitious, I hope!). I know my rant on here isn't anything close to positive, it's just very frustrating, and no one in my family or my inner circle seems to understand. Everyone was happy when I got my license, now they all think something's wrong with me and refuse to believe it is this hard for a new grad nurse. I honestly thought some facilities would be receptive to new grads since 1) we cost less than a seasoned nurse 2) we have no prior nursing baggage 3) we can be molded into exactly what they need us to be, rather then someone who is so set in their ways that they refuse to adapt. I'll admit I should've researched the job market before going into school, but that's a mistake I have come to terms with. Just out of curiosity, which state did you end up working in? I think it would be quite fun to work out of state, and other than family and a select handful of friends (who also are planning to move out of California in the next 3-4 years) I would leave on the next plane flight to wherever if I could get a freakin' job! I keep in touch with most of my classmates, and out of roughly 25 graduates from my class, 18 have gotten licensed, and only 2 are working (one lives in Riverside county, the other moved to Arizona and got a job there). I know I'm ranting it up here, and if I have a solution I could offer, I would in a heartbeat. I truly love nursing, and I think my frustration with the job finding aspect has severely jaded me as of late, but ultimately I know it'll work out. Anyways, good luck to all of you guys too, it's not easy out there. Stay frosty!

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I recieved my training to be a LVN in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman when I challenged the boards in California and got my license in 1988. Since then I have always been kicking myself for not getting my RN and moving up. Well guess what, I am 45 and in a BSN program now in California. I know its tough to find work but have patience. Get your BSN and then you can find a job anywhere in the states with your RN. I wish you luck and keep up your spirits. This is a good job that we do...

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Specializes in L & D, Med-Surge, Dialysis.

Don't give up. keep searching!

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.
You must be in California, which is suffering from masses of new LVNs with not enough jobs to go around for everyone who would like to work. If you visit the BVNPT's website of approved vocational nursing programs, there are several hundred LVN schools in Southern California alone. The end result is masses of new nurses being churned into an overly saturated job market when the demand for them simply is not there.

I am so very sorry for your job woes.

It it possible to move out of state? There are many other states that are friendly toward LPN/LVN new grads. I completed an LVN program in the Los Angeles area 4 years ago, but saw the writing on the wall with the job situation before graduation and moved out of the state. In the city where I live, a new grad LVN can get a job within 24 hours of receiving his/her license.

Good luck to you, and keep up the hope.

I 100% agree! Texas seems to still be new grad friendly. Don't give up hope, it's where you live and the times right now. Other places in the country still have a high demand for LVNs. I'd fully recommend moving out of state for at least a couple years to get some experience.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Just out of curiosity, which state did you end up working in? I think it would be quite fun to work out of state, and other than family and a select handful of friends (who also are planning to move out of California in the next 3-4 years) I would leave on the next plane flight to wherever if I could get a freakin' job!
I moved to Texas about 5 weeks after completing a Los Angeles area LVN program. This was in late 2005, and I have not been without a job since I have had my Texas license.
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wow!!!!! i am going through the exact same thing, but still trying to hang in there.i graduated in aug and ive filled out over 50 apps online not to mention ive been going in person to every nursing home facility in my area and still nothing!!!:crying2: im not giving up because i know everything happens for a reason and god has a plan for me..(and you too!) just keep at it and you'll get something soon. peace

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Specializes in Experienced MDS, LTC, Geriatric Psych ,.

I'm from Pa and never had a problem, I had my job before I graduated, I oriented until i passed my boards and worked at that facility for over 9 years, Maybe your looking in a field that is looking for RN's? Did you try LTC, I am in Florida now and work closely with my DON, I currently do MDS/ Care Planning, I have taken a break from working the floor due to the birth of my daughter but I have been interviewing new grads and my DON will not consider anyone unless they are dressed approperiately for an interview even if they are filling out an application, so maybe you need to look beyond your degree and step back and see how your presenting yourself, If you come accross as a strong nurse who has confidence in your skills then you should have no problem getting a job no matter what state your in!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am certainly sorry to hear that you are having this experience. If you search the General Discussion Board in this site, you will see that even new grad RNs are having the same challenge. As mentioned, it could be because you are in an area that is super-satuarated with LPN graduates or that this is a sign of the recession not letting up.

You are in my thoughts and hope that things improve for the better!

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Ugh, I completely EMPATHIZE with you! I too, am in CA (SF Bay Area), and there are TONS of new vocational schools popping up all over! I see LVN School ads on the back of some career journals saying "nurses are in demand" and think to myself... "pfff.....please don't fall for this ad people!" I got the whole promo in school too "You should have no problem finding a job after you graduate" "You're gonna be getting lots of stuff in the mail regarding jobs once you have your license."

I, too have LVN school loans out and the first job I could get was through an agency (I know it's NOT recommended, but I was careful about which cases I chose). I did a few private duty cases in the school system, which brought me a home health case (which I ended up leaving due to the lack of accommodations in the home setting).....and I've been working off and on for a company that does employee health screenings at corporations. I'm soooo ready for a full time or at least PART TIME LVN job at a real facility. I WANT to work. I don't get it either....why, if they can pay us less, are not jaded, and can mold us into whatever they want....why don't they WANT that?

And to one poster that said they live in PA and have not had trouble finding a job....it really IS like this in Cali. I have many a classmate who have struggled to get jobs in the field and spoke with a new grad RN the other day who was going thru the same thing b/c she had no experience.....she was doing data entry at a doctor's office, which she hated. She was from somewhere in the midwest, and really couldn't understand why she couldn't get a job out here.

Anyways, I've had my license for a year now, and am back to the drawing board applying away! I'm supposed to call a lead today, so I hope it works. As far as the RN program goes....that's a joke too....the whole 2-3 years of being on a waiting list before getting into a program. After much thought, I'm finally going to do the online LVN-BSN/RN program through Indiana State University....yes, it's more money/time, but if it will bring me closer to more job opportunities, I'll do it. If I could relocate, I would, but my husband has a really good job at a company he's established at so it wouldn't work out.

Thanks for letting me add my 2 cents...keep us posted on how the job search/move ends! :)

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