Would you do that? New grad dilemma

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in NP student.

Hello Nurses !

I passed my nclex 2 weeks ago and started applying for jobs. It’s been only 2 weeks so I’m still full of hopes for good position BUT it’s hard to find hospital job for new grad ADN. I don’t have much experience only 6 months as LVN in assisted living. Anywho I found hospital position for LVN on med surg unit ( I have license ) and was thinking to work in that hospital and once they have opening for RN to move up ( usually it’s in Feb). I know this might sound a little crazy but since I have no hospital experience I thought this would help me a little. Another option is SNF or home health.I got call backs from these two places.
What’s your opinion ? Do you think it’s stupid idea?
Thank you ?

11 hours ago, Twinkle007 said:

Hello Nurses !

I passed my nclex 2 weeks ago and started applying for jobs. It’s been only 2 weeks so I’m still full of hopes for good position BUT it’s hard to find hospital job for new grad ADN. I don’t have much experience only 6 months as LVN in assisted living. Anywho I found hospital position for LVN on med surg unit ( I have license ) and was thinking to work in that hospital and once they have opening for RN to move up ( usually it’s in Feb). I know this might sound a little crazy but since I have no hospital experience I thought this would help me a little. Another option is SNF or home health.I got call backs from these two places.
What’s your opinion ? Do you think it’s stupid idea?
Thank you ?

If you're in a market where it's difficult for ADNs to find hospital jobs, acute care jobs for LVNs are probably even more competitive. With only six months of non-acute experience, you probably wouldn't get a call back.

It would also be rare for an employer to hire a new graduate RN to work as an LVN. They're not interested in helping you get your foot in the door. They want someone to fill the actual, vacant position ...someone who will stick around for a while.

Bad plan. Sorry ?

Chances are you won’t be able to move up. Many hospitals do not allow transfers for six months to a year. They aren’t going to want to train you for the LVN position for you to leave shortly after you come off orientation.

I’d ask about the new grad program in February.

Specializes in Mental Health.

You could move somewhere the job market doesn’t suck for a couple years too. Trust me it’s not like that everywhere ?

Specializes in NP student.

Thank you for your answers.

Specializes in NP student.
9 hours ago, Sour Lemon said:

If you're in a market where it's difficult for ADNs to find hospital jobs, acute care jobs for LVNs are probably even more competitive. With only six months of non-acute experience, you probably wouldn't get a call back.

It would also be rare for an employer to hire a new graduate RN to work as an LVN. They're not interested in helping you get your foot in the door. They want someone to fill the actual, vacant position ...someone who will stick around for a while.

Bad plan. Sorry ?

It was written on the add that ‘new graduates are welcome to apply’ so I thought I have a chance

What's the worse that could happen if you apply for the hospital position? They say yes, or they say no. However, you have to be prepared to be told outright that there will be no movement or to be led along and then two years down the road still find yourself working as an LVN. Up to you. At that point, the home health and SNF positions will still be available.

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
45 minutes ago, Twinkle007 said:

It was written on the add that ‘new graduates are welcome to apply’ so I thought I have a chance

Yes, but being welcome to apply and being a competitive candidate are two very different things, especially if they are in an area with lots of new grads hunting for jobs. They can afford to be picky and select only those with a BSN or those who graduated from a program that does clinicals at that facility or those who graduated from a program with a certain GPA.

If you've gotten call backs for other positions, take what is offered instead of holding out for a long shot.

4 hours ago, Twinkle007 said:

It was written on the add that ‘new graduates are welcome to apply’ so I thought I have a chance

But what the poster is saying is that they may not be interested in an applicant whose intention is to not stay in the role very long, which is what you are proposing. It isn't about new grad status; you are talking about being a new grad RN and they are looking for an LPN. Their invitation to new grads is likely for new grad LPNs, since it is associated with an LPN opening.

Who knows--maybe they routinely hire RNs into LPN roles temporarily until they have more RN openings. All you can do is ask, understanding that if they are looking for someone to fill the LPN position long-term then you are not the ideal candidate.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I second the comment that recommends you consider moving to a less saturated area.

Specializes in NP student.
3 hours ago, Nurse SMS said:

I second the comment that recommends you consider moving to a less saturated area.

That’s out of the picture in my case. Thank you all for your responses.

Networking in a new position gets you familiar with the organization and will absolutely open up new opportunities. Can you move up, yes and sometimes employers look to their establishment to fill posotions. Good luck.

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