I am having a dilema. I graduated as an LPN in Aug 2009 from one of the most reputable nursing schools in Central Florida. My first choice job was a government hospital job, which takes a long time to process, so I applied there as soon as I passed my boards in September. They lost my application and I had to start all over again, then they said it was a waiting game. It is now December and they said it could be 3-4 wks to hear from them. I need a job NOW!!!!!!!! I have been applying to all the local hospitals that still hire LPNs. Many are going to PCT/RN only. No luck there either, they all want 1-2 yrs experience and no one seems to count my year of clinical rotations as experience. Now, I have started applying at all the local ALFs and anywhere else I can think of, even if it is not a "dream" job. I just need work.
My question is...does it take a long time to get a job these days? Am I doing something wrong? My resume is up-to-date and lists all my school and clinical accomplishments. I also am out there on Career Builder, Monster and several other sites and to a couple of recruiting agencies.
If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I am getting very discouraged about this.
Central Florida has one of the highest unemployment rates in Florida/US. There were hospitals laying off nurses in the Villages/Ocala area last I heard.
You will find bias towards LPN's especially in hospitals. Remember you are a new grad LPN with no experience, to train you to work in a hospital is a costly/timely deal. And hospital payrates on LPN's are low, as such many LPN's finish their orientation and then leave as they can't afford to do it
I live in Central Florida on the gulf coast and my hospital which employs over 2,000 (400ish nurses I think), out of that less than 30 are LPN's. I think we have 1 opening which they may or not fill for a LPN.
Your best bet is a ALF or pref a SNF for better experience. Gotta hit that 1 year gap no matter what for experience. Your clinical rotations do not count as experience. Part of your education.
Now, I have started applying at all the local ALFs and anywhere else I can think of, even if it is not a "dream" job. I just need work.
I am an LPN in georgia and can't find a job. I have applied to LTC , hospitals, etc... and they all want at least 1 year experience. I feel your pain
NewTexasRN
331 Posts
Just keep applying. Don't give up.