[the sparrow]

Hello everyone

I'll be a senior in the fall and I'm worried about not getting a job after graduation. I was just recently passed over for both a summer externship and an CNA job in and it shook me up a little. I have no experience working in a hospital, and I'm worried this will hurt me when I start my job search. I've always taken great pride in my GPA and I'm part of two honor societies, but I now feel like I should have focused more on getting experience working in a hospital.

Has anyone gone through this?
Please please respond if you've experienced this.

[bebobthefrogRN]

I wouldn't be that worried about the lack of experience. I graduated from a BSN program in May and start working in July. If you are that concerned about getting a job after graduation, go to HR at local hospitals and inquire about graduate nurse positions. You have plenty of time to look for jobs. The most ideal time to leave you're resume is around Christmas break.
Some hospitals provide scholarships or stipends to pay towards school in exchange for employment at that specific hospital for x number of year(s). I did that and had a job lined up by February and my last semester was paid off. Good luck and don't worry about finding a job this soon.

[becauseicare]

I just graduated myself and with no real experience was able to get on at the hospital where I did preceptorship. During your senior year you will have recruiters coming in that will also offer jobs. I know from experience I had no clue where I was going until just a few months ago.

[jessi1106]

Hi,

I had never worked in a medical setting before becoming an RN.

I accepted a job position 1 month before I graduated.

Most larger hospitals have nurse recruiters who will help you.

I bypassed HR and nurse recruitment and sent my resume straight to the manager of the unit I wanted to work on though. I was called by her administrative assistant the next day and set up an interview.

I know you still have awhile, but I found the Johns Hopkins Nursing School interview guide invaluable in helping me to prepare.
(I was asked at least half of those questions!)

Here is the link. http://www.son.jhmi.edu/resources/ca.../services.aspx
(you have to click on interview guide on their webpage)

Good luck in your last year and beginning your new career!

[the sparrow]

Thanks guys. This makes me feel a lot better!

[Wendy79]

It depends on where you're from. In many areas, it's true that only the students who have been doing externships or are otherwise employed at the hospitals are getting jobs after graduation. If you live in one of these areas, I would keep trying for jobs... externships, CNA, unit secretary, transport tech--whatever they might hire you for. Good luck.

[candyisdandy]

The need for nurses is soo great that hospitals are giving New grads a nice long orientatíon...you'll be Fine

[Wendy79]

Originally Posted by candyisdandy

The need for nurses is soo great that hospitals are giving New grads a nice long orientatíon...you'll be Fine

Tell that to new grads who have been looking for jobs for months. We need to get rid of this myth. I know it is true in some areas--evidently in your area--but in general student nurses shouldn't be expecting to graduate and have jobs waiting for them, because it may or may not be true. And the situation can change fairly quickly... 18 months ago, it was unheard of that new graduates wouldn't get jobs here, too.

[candyisdandy]

"Myth" I wouldn't go that far. It is not a myth. It is reality. If you're a nurse you will find a job. No matter how long it takes. We are in demand bottom line