One year of experience required....???

TexasPoodleMix · Jul 30, 2004

I was wondering how in the world you get hired as a new graduate when all the jobs I've been seeing in the papers and stuff require at least one year of med-surg experience...do you have to have experience to be a med-surg nurse? lol
Just wondering!

This is very disturbing to me as well, and I have noticed the same thing here in Tx........ yet I have heard it isn't usually a problem... who knows.

Nurcee · Jul 30, 2004

If you have a teaching hospital in your area, this is one of the easiest ways to get some really great experience. If not, try taking a EMT course and get your National Certification. Many institutions will look at this very favorably, and waive the 'med/surg' prerequisite. Good luck!

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2004

Have seen a ton of jobs where experience isn't required.

elkpark · Jul 30, 2004

Hospitals are v. accustomed to hiring new grads who don't have experience (outside of school). However, there are a lot of places that won't hire you into the specialty areas fresh out of school -- they do want you to get some solid med-surg experience under your belt first, which isn't a bad idea.

You certainly should not have problems getting a med-surg job when you graduate.

MountainMama · Jul 30, 2004

I would imagine with the current shortage, that finding a job won't be hard... especially med-surg... even specialty areas will take new nurses. Depends on the area/hospital/degree of nurses needed. When there are no nurses, they just want a license and a pulse, bottom line.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2004

... When there are no nurses, they just want a license and a pulse, bottom line.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

PennyLane, RN · Jul 30, 2004

Haven't run into this problem in my area. I see lots of ads for new grads in specialty areas. I'm planning on starting off in the ICU or the ED.

Genista, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2004

Just so you know, my first job (med/surg) was at a small hospital whose classified ad said,"Experienced only." I applied anyway & sold them on my dedication, skills and "unpaid" experience. Yes, I did get the job. So, I would say to apply to those anyway.Everyone is a beginner at some time. :) Good luck!

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 30, 2004

With the huge shortage of nurses most everywhere, many places are sucking up new grads like water to a thirsty horse. If a place says it wants experience, dont' let that daunt you!!! Most of these same places say "BSN preferred" as well, but if a qualifed ADN applies and suits them, they hire that person . I am with those saying to check with the larger hospitals, if you can. Most have "residency" programs designed for new grads or people cross-training to new specialties. TAKE ADVANTAGE of these!!! They are GREAT!!! You get classroom and On- the -job training with these. THIS will definately put your foot in the door, getting that requisite experience you need to do other things.

BEST wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

vick · Jul 30, 2004

I live in California and here it is almost a definete you will have a job once you have passed boards! Strikes me odd that it is any different in Alabama???? The hospitals here will even hire in specialty units and trian you. I can not wait!! I have also heard of other states and hospitals that hire new grads. Are you in a small area or have you looked at only a few places?

Vick

I was wondering how in the world you get hired as a new graduate when all the jobs I've been seeing in the papers and stuff require at least one year of med-surg experience...do you have to have experience to be a med-surg nurse? lol
Just wondering!

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2004

... I applied anyway & sold them...

Way to go!