Graduated 3rd in class 25 years as LPN still LPN

I graduated in Dec 2014, passed boards in Feb 1st try. I was the only LPN in my class and graduated 3rd. This of course counts for absolutely nothing, lol. My experience is discarded and they want to know about my clinical rotations? I am in my mid 40's, SW PA, enrolled in BSN program for fall 2015 and I am trying for a SICU, Trauma or MICU. The recruiters do phone interviews but then I never hear another word. I have a friend who previously taught in the hospital I'd like to work and he is willing to introduce me around some of these units. Would anyone suggest if they feel this is a good idea or are there other things I should be doing? There is a job fair coming up I'm planning to attend, I thought I might add a picture to my resume to show I'm not senile or decrepit yet. Idk where to go from here. As an LPN I got any job I ever applied for and make at least 5 dollars more per hour than what local hospitals are paying. I feel the knowledge fading already. My goal is to become a CRNA.
I've heard that after you transition from LPN to RN you're considered a new nurse again. Seems pretty silly but it is what it is. Could you maybe apply at nursing homes as a RN to gain experience or get some money until you get a hospital job?Any nursing job is better than no nursing job.

So then tell them about your clinical rotations, right? And definitely have your friend introduce you to people on the units! I would think you would be a great catch with LPN experience as well as your BSN now although don't get too plumped up over your class ranking as it is unlikely to mean much to anyone other than you and your Mom. On a side note I remember going to a job fair as a LPN. I have always had awesome business suits, I presented well and was descended on like a locust swarm until they found out I was "only a LPN". I was furious but accepted it was the way of the times in a major medical center and kept working toward my RN. Once I got my ADN the world was my oyster. Back in the day anyway. Good luck!

Quote from LittleCandlesI've heard that after you transition from LPN to RN you're considered a new nurse again. Seems pretty silly but it is what it is. Could you maybe apply at nursing homes as a RN to gain experience or get some money until you get a hospital job?Any nursing job is better than no nursing job.

Quote from GimmeabedpanAs an LPN I got any job I ever applied for and make at least 5 dollars more per hour than what local hospitals are paying.

Yes, that is the truth, unfortunately. All that you described counts as nothing in regards to your first RN job. Or almost nothing.I would be careful with advise "any nursing job is better than nothing" if you aim high for your future. For CRNA school, you will need a year or more bedside ICU nursing, and so-called ICU in rural hospital with two beds won't go. There are some stories everywhere about people making their ways from SNF to ICU but it apparently takes years for them. You may be an excellent nurse and first in your class, but as a nurse of 25 years you probably now already that ageism is alive and well in nursing. Absolutely ask your friend, and friends of that friend, and your every other connection, for help, because if you plan for high-level Master's program, you need acute care experience. If you find something outside acute care, you will probably want to continue job search till you get acute care position.

I thought I'd update for anyone following this. I went to the job fair and got an interview, then panel interview, manager interview and got hired to a Telemetry floor. It's not where I wanted to start but it's perfect to figure out the system, charting etc. It's funny though that the system I submitted all my applications to has still never contacted me once. One of those positions was closely related to my experience. I was treated for CA in that system 7 years ago with cure so I wonder if they look at that. Oh oh well I have a job!!