How can I get experience now?!?!...it's a question not rant...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Ok my question is...how can I get experience now that I have graduated from nursing school. Most hospitals want 1 year experience as a nurse...or experience as an extern, aid, tech...whatever. I was a medical assistant at a doctors office for 6 months before I started nursing school but it was full time and didn't work with my school schedule so I worked part time as a waitress instead during school. During nursing school I tried to get a job as an extern but since I was admitted in the winter I was not eligible for an extern position until the fall...however most are available in the summer. During the winter one hospital did have externs. Out of almost 50 applicants they were only able to take 7. Unfortunately I wasn't one of them.

Now what I want to know is there anything I can do to get experience now that I graduated (2 and 1/2 months ago) and passed the NCLEX-RN (2 weeks ago) until someone hires me? I know that I will need to stay current on my CPR but I have until November for that. I really want a job. And want to find a way to get one. Besides calling and emailing people most days and applying every day I am not sure what else to do!

I'm in the same boat! I was so excited when the hospital called me to set up an interview and was very frustrated when I was told after the interview that they were unable to offer me the position because of my lack of experience. Well why even interview me and get my hopes up if all this information was on my application. I felt sort of humiliated in a way. Like you I've applied to other ads but no call backs at all. I'm even considering moving just to find a job. I was soo excited and started studying for boards after I graduated (June 09') but now I'm like whatever. Now I'm more worried about finding a job then studying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

Yes I may have to move to South Carolina...but I don't even know if they are hiring there ha.

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Do you have to be in the service to work there though? While I think it is very honorable to be in the service...I am not the type of person to be in the service.

No, you don't have to be in the service to work in the VA.

I realize that hospitals have externships in the summer because most students graduate in the late spring---but they should start recognizing that students graduate in the fall as well. It would make a whole lot of sense for there to be two extern programs, one starting in the summer (or early autumn) and one starting in the winter (or early spring) to accommodate all grads---and those who might have to retake NCLEX.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Informatics; Labor & Delivery; Med-Surg.
Yes I may have to move to South Carolina...but I don't even know if they are hiring there ha.

Thanks for all the replies so far!

I just left South Carolina to take a job in the DC area. I was in Charleston,SC. I went on at least 8 interview at hospitals and didnt get an offer until I had already moved to DC. I would definately apply before moving. It was frustrating to me as well because I had 10 months experience as a LPN.

Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

Oh yes I defiantly wouldn't move without a job!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same boat here, I'm am a registered nurse returning to the field - out of nursing 3 years, off the floor 11 years. My experience is in ICU/CCU. I recently called for a position in endoscopy but they said I needed recent expereince. I am taking a refresher course but the jobs just aren't plentiful anywhere!

Love hugs and prayers

Carol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment