Getting my first RN job

KayteRN · Jan 24, 2010

Never bring up salary until THEY bring it up. They'll tell you what they want to offer you, and if you want to say "is that negotiable?" But make sure you know what new grads are making in your area first.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 24, 2010

i have a few questions about trying to get my first job as an rn...
1. does anyone have any suggestions as to how i can stand out as a new graduate when applying for my first nursing job?
call and periodically follow up, but don't become a pest. there is a fine line...
2. is there anything that i need to know/ask about possible employment?
ask job duties, what a typical day is like, etc. questions that show interest in the company you are interviewing with.
3. when is the appropriate time to bring up salary? i am curious about it, but i don't want it to seem like it is my number one concern. never. if you are offered a job, you will know the salary. i was just hired for a prn hospice position,and the recruiter told me (after i was hired), she does not hire applicants who ask about salary before they are offered a position.
thank you!

i hope that this helps. best to you!

vanlo001 · Jan 24, 2010

congratulations on your new career! nursing is a challenging yet fulfilling job.

1. does anyone have any suggestions as to how i can stand out as a new graduate when applying for my first nursing job?

show up on time,

dress professionally,

do your research- look up the hospital and if your able to the department before you interview. understand how many beds they have, read their mission statement, find out if it is a community, university or private for profit hosptial.

think about why you would want to work for them- for instance if it is a pediatric position- even if you really don't want to do pediatrics forever- think of some things you might learn and gain from working in pediatrics and mention them.

think about your strengths and weakness, your learning style, and emphasis your willingness to be a team player- it's not all about you at this point, it's about how you will fit in to their work place.

3. when is the appropriate time to bring up salary? i am curious about it, but i don't want it to seem like it is my number one concern. i've never ever brought up salary in a job interview. my only job has been a nurse and although i would love to negotiate for a salary i think i deserve, just about every hospital i have worked for has a set system they employ for salaries. i.e. every new grad starts at this rate. every one with x amount of hours of experience (yes i've had them calculate the number of hours of experience i have had) gets this amount, or if it's union it's online. while i don't know that it will eliminate you as a candidate you do not want to end your interview - or start it for that matter - giving the impression that you are in it for the money and not for the nobler objective of caring for people.

be flexible! i had one job in an outpatient surgical urology clinic. it was monday thru friday with no weekends and i really wanted those hours. it was not my dream job but i enjoyed it, enjoyed the people i worked with and had many positive experiences in the small microcosm that allowed me to stand out, so you never know what experience if for you until you get some experience.

best of luck.

dlayne_g · Jan 31, 2010

Thank you to everyone who has answered my post! I have been precepting the last 2 weeks and I love it! I am so excited about starting my new career!!:)

fiveofpeep · Jan 31, 2010

I made a portfolio that included cover letter, resume, letters of rec, awards, etc and hand delivered it to units. It helped me get an interview

xamyx2005 · Mar 3, 2010

hi, gud 2 hear uv started ur nurse job!! how long do u precept for do u know?? i start my first job nxt week am excited although nervous 2!! iv been job searching for nearly 3 yrs but got 1 in the end! any 1 with any advice on e.n.t clinic or outpatients clinic il b working on the 2 u c please let me know thanks xxx

fiveofpeep · Mar 7, 2010

sorry for the late response. Ive been busy with work. congrats on your new job! I dont really have any advice though because Im pretty narrowly focused with SICU . I wish you the very best of luck though and am so happy for you