I don't know what state you are in, Kathryn, but as a nurse for 40 years with multiple degrees and certifications, currently employed and practicing, and in a position to hire applicants, your statement about requiring advanced credentials is disturbing. Perhaps our state is different. We embrace new grads, put them to work, mentor, and give them the experience they need. We offer continuing ed. And, I will tell you this from many years experience ---we prefer grads from ADN programs. BSN grads are good with the theory, the "why" if you will, but have significantly fewer clinical hours learning the"how". Been there! Done that! Theory doesn't do much for the patient with major trauma requiring the technical skills of the nurse. I am sure you are a fine nurse, and were before you advanced your degree . Even in my state advanced degrees are required to teach, hold some upper level management positions. Credentials have their place, but not necessary to be a dynamic, highly skilled, compassionate caregiver.

I have been a nurse 31 years. I have too much experience. No one wants an experienced nurse

I have friends that are nurses and they found that some times going with an agency that has per diem assignments can help. Also, if you have some flexibility, try a visiting nurse agency that assigns you to areas that need nurses. It requires some travel, but it is a good way to make money while getting experience.

Hmm my wife got a job two months after graduation. She has her BSN though but she was a new grad too.

Hi Kathryn, I believe you are right. An edge is needed to get employment now a days. Lets face it. Nursing is a wonderful profession. A profession that with an Associates Degree you can make a nice living. In today's job market that brings more people into the profession. With more people into the profession, job competition becomes harder. Its is the old supply and demand situation. The supply of educated nurses outnumbers the current positions. Good luck to all the wonderful nurses out there in their job quests.

The VA is almost always looking for nurses. They pay below scale though benefits are decent. Working for the VA takes a certain kind of person. Many employees are not devoted to their jobs because it takes an a act of God to get fired from the VA once you are off probation. So you need to be dedicated to your patients but realize without a doubt some of your co workers are not in the same mind set. That being said its good for experience to have on your resume. And that's what you need to move on to a more lucrative environment and in the mean time get your BSN and consider you masters and LNP.

Yuppers This old LPN still cannot find work here in Michigan. :-(

I was a student at Kaplan for LPN and this one class made us read the chapters of the book ...when d test came...not 1 of the questions came from d book

They wMted the s tubalutdents to fail so they can collect monies again, lots of monies Kaplan college Las Vegas

So u people beware

Thanks for your sharing that info. I feel I want to exercise what it became to me a religious training; a dogma if you will. Remember the movie "Short Circuit" when the robot better known as Number 5 was going around even in circular turns like a wheel or a person disoriented looking for "Inputs?" I want to learn more and more everyday. Be it learning in the medical field, or just learning just about any other skills, I love to learn different skills, and for that I'm always looking for inputs. Matter of facts, I have been going places driving my car when I see some people doing some carpentry. And what did I do? I simply pull over and tell someone that I just want to help so that I get to learn those skills. Thank you, do you have any recommendation for me? Write back at: doctorrivera313@gmail.com, Thank you

Oh wow