by RNman09

Hello everyone I'm new to this site (my first post)and I just wanted to know this,"Will my military and surg/tech experience help with the job hunt in this tough economy as a new nurse?" I graduated Dec 08 (ASN),passed NCLEX Mar 09 and now looking for a job. Any comments?

Re: will military and surg/tech experience help with the job hunt

If I were reviewing your resuming and saw that you had previous medical experience, it would make me more inclined to schedule an interview. So, yes...anything that adds clinical/medical background is a good thing! Good luck with your search!

Re: will military and surg/tech experience help with the job hunt

Thanks FreudianSlip, I appreciate your response because it is tough out here in SoCal.

Re: will military and surg/tech experience help with the job hunt

Yes, and Yes.

I am an LVN, and I have been able to pretty much take my pick of positions, mainly based upon my experience in the military. With more vets from OIF/OEF separating and getting into the workplace, I think a lot of the employers are getting a good vibe from us. Especially since we have performed at an RN level for some time-and that is the only thing that I have to sometimes explain to people. My license may be new, but i have had six years experience giving care.

Generally we are (or have been described as) stable, respectful, trainable, patient, hardworking, and knowledgeable. With the exception of one telephone recruiter who was a hag (and I even got an interview off of that one), most of the call backs have been very positive to interview me.

You have to be realistic about the job market, even nursing. If you are looking for that perfect position, you may have to wait awhile. Specialty job offers will not be as forth coming. Do your research-you may find out that the place that you have your heart set on has been on a hiring freeze for awhile, even though they have job postings.

Just keep in in your head to live within your means, and realize that your next position will not necessarily have to be your last nursing job of your life.

Cheers.

-Redfoot

Re: will military and surg/tech experience help with the job hunt

I was a Navy Corpsman and have always found that having that in resume has helped me. As a hiring agent I tend to lean towards the ex-military, even the AirForce, because I know the structured mind set. I also like the committment to team work that is part of the personality.