New grad, no experience

Nurses Career Support

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Hello nurses! I graduated this month, took the NCLEX a few days ago, and passed. I would soon be looking for job openings and start applying. However, I have zero work experience (not even CNA work) as I started college right after high school and completely focused on my education.

I have done few volunteer works, but I'm not confident that it will be enough. I honestly worry that it will be difficult for me to get accepted due to my lack of work experience. I am not going to let this discourage me though because I have already made it through the toughest part (nursing school), but I would really appreciate any advice or tips!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You're going to start looking 'soon'? You should start right this very minute. Look at facility websites, get your resume in order and APPLY!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health, School Health.

Congrats to you!! I was in your same boat when I graduated WAAAAAAY back in 1995, LOL. I also knew I really wanted to do either pediatrics or post partum and NOT do med surg in-patient, etc. I ended up taking a nanny position for a newborn for 6 months while I job searched (the family knew I was looking and were still happy to have me). The perfect job came up for me about 8 months later and I ended up working there for almost 4 years, until Ileft to start grad school to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am a firm believer in doing what you love and not suffering through something you hate just to "pay your dues" if you will. If you are in a position to wait to find the right job, then do that. Good luck.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hello! I agree with one of the first commenters, I would absolutely be job searching at this point! I am a new graduate as well (Dec. graduation) and I had my interview before I took the NCLEX, I too did not have much job experience (besides working in child care); I wouldn't worry too much about this as the employers know that you are a new graduate, and most employers will not expect you to have previous working experience especially if you are young and went to nursing school right from high school. I would use life experience, volunteer work, etc. as part of your resume and just allow your personality to shine through! Often that is more important than having CNA working experience or other positions of that nature. Good luck with your search and remember to stay true to who you are and what you want to do in your career!!

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It depends on your location. Are you in a saturated market? if so, you're looking at anywhere from months to even years for someone who will give you a chance.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I was also like you: no related healthcare experience, just volunteer experience (first as a student, then after licensure). It took me 3 months to find that first job.

But don't start looking soon. Start looking NOW.

And while I agree to a point with MHDNurse about not having to "pay your dues" in an area that you dislike...the reality of today's job market is that you have a lot of competition for those new grad jobs. So you may want to consider grabbling what you can even if it's not in your dream/desired specialty. No one said that first job is forever, and you can always transfer to other specialties/facilities once you have some experience under your belt. A nurse with any nursing experience is a far stronger candidate for Nursing Jobs than a nurse with no experience.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

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Specializes in PICU.

Start looking NOW. Don't wait. Start today. Go on to all the websites of hospitals, clinics, etc. Look at jobs for new grads and apply. Apply to those you really want and those that you may want. Your experience is that of a new grad. You can highlight skills you learned in clinical, any volunteer experience.

START NOW, TODAY looking for jobs.

Congratulations on graduation and passing the NCLEX

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Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it! I would like to share that I have just turned in my application and resume at one of the hospitals in my area for an open RN position. I am not going to be too optimistic about it, but I will still hope for the best. I would keep searching for openings and would be turning in my application if I find more! :)

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it! I would like to share that I have just turned in my application and resume at one of the hospitals in my area for an open RN position. I am not going to be too optimistic about it, but I will still hope for the best. I would keep searching for openings and would be turning in my application if I find more! :)

One other thing: you do not suspend or stop the Job Search until you get an official job offer from HR in hand. It doesn't matter if you went on an interview, a call back, a shadowing session and practically received a verbal offer. Until that official job offer from HR is in your hand, you do not have a job. So even while interviewing, keep searching and keep applying.

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One other thing: you do not suspend or stop the job search until you get an official job offer from HR in hand. It doesn't matter if you went on an interview, a call back, a shadowing session and practically received a verbal offer. Until that official job offer from HR is in your hand, you do not have a job. So even while interviewing, keep searching and keep applying.

Indeed! That is exactly what I'm going to do.

Thank you so much for your advice. I will keep you all updated in this job hunting adventure of mine lol! Ah, I guess the real struggle begins!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Indeed! That is exactly what I'm going to do.

Thank you so much for your advice. I will keep you all updated in this job hunting adventure of mine lol! Ah, I guess the real struggle begins!

I say that because what I pretty much described had had happened to me--no job offer ever materialized. In fact, I was ghosted and didn't even get the courtesy of a "Sorry but no after all" after all that. So learn from my experiences :)

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Congrats and best wishes to you!!!!

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