How to get hired without experience

I only wish that were true but, nope no job yet. I have had some very good interviews; one went to a second interview & she led me to believe the job would be offered to me, however, that wasn't the case. Last week I had another good interview at a very large clinic. I asked if they ever offered jobs to inexperienced nurses & she told me that until recently she felt all nurses needed hospital experience & didn't hire any without it but now does. I hope this will be one of those times although she did tell me that she was interviewing several candidates.

Perhaps it's for the best that I haven't found anything yet. A month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I've since had a mastectomy and fortunately it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes so probably won't need further treatment besides Tamoxifen. I got the call from the above clinic as I was checking out of the hospital. I interviewed a week after my surgery & didn't tell her. My surgeon said not to tell & also that she felt I would be in shape to work well before they would be ready to start me.

Dixie

Thank you, that was such a nice thing to say, that I'm a cup half full type of person.

The reason I decided to not tell is because I felt that they would automatically think I'd be a liability, that I'd not be able to work as well or as hard as someone who has not recently had surgery. And to be honest, since I still have to see an oncologist, I may be a liability afterall. However, when asked at my interview what I could bring to them, I stressed that I know what patients are experiencing because I have or are experiencing the same things. I went on to point out several things I have been through, even mentioning a couple cancer scares (these were earlier) I just didn't mention that I had BC. I hope she would see that I would be an asset.

Thank you for your good wishes. I will definitely post WHEN (not if) I get hired.
Dixie

YES!!!!!!! It happened. I was hired today! The job isn't be best. I'm sure some of you will be rolling your eyes at it but I look at it as a real good opportunity for learning.
I will be working at a large clinic in a neighboring town, every other weekend (urgent care type work) and 2 days a week floating amongst the various doctors, filling in for nurses on their days off. This is a large clinic with mostly family practice doctors but also a podiatrist, an OB/GYN, a gastroenterologist, and a pediatrician.

I'll be orientated with the family practice doctors first & then the specialists. Finally, I'll start working the weekend hours.

This group is not new to me. This was where I went as a child & one of the doctors actually delivered my youngest son, 30 years ago. It's kind of a unique group; all the doctors working there are very devout Christians. I was told that the atmosphere is different from most clinics. The doctors are not prima donnas(actually share offices) & are very patient with their employees.

I go for my drug test tomorrow and orientation at the hospital that the clinic is associated with on Monday. Oh, and they now know about my breast cancer & they are OK with it.

Thanks all for your encouragement. I am so thrilled!
Dixie