Ad says 1yr experience. Can a new grad apply anyway?

Published

Specializes in LTC.

I'm scheduled to graduate LPN school in late August. I'm starting to look at jobs. I'd like to work as a tech or an aide for a few weeks at a place that is willing to give me a position as a nurse when I pass boards. Everything I find wants one year experience. This makes me really nervous. Am I expecting too much? Would it hurt anything to apply even though I don't have the experience they state they want in the job ad? I plan to go back for my RN soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LTC? Apply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can apply to any job you want. If they do not think you are qualified, they will simply reject your application.

Write a nice cover letter, send your resume on in and see what happens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I'm willing to work LTC but REALLY want to be a tech/aide first so I will know the patients by name by the time I pass meds :)

If I could pick anything I'd like to get either clinic or dialysis work (since it would be days) or three 12 hour LTC night shifts per week. I know I can't afford to be too picky though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NYS requires aides to be certified.

Most hospitals aren't hiring new grads these days and LPN spots especially are hard to come by. As nights is the least-favored shift you shouldn't have trouble in your search if you are willing to work in LTC.

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I always apply to RN I (zero to one yr exp) and RN II (one-two yrs exper). If they ask for 3 or more years I won't. The job I did have, briefly, was an RN II job listing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Transgender Medicine.

I'd apply. Especially since it's LTC. If you're willing to start on nights, then that's a big plus, too. They may WANT 1 yr exp, but they also may TAKE less. Include in your cover letter why you'd be a good choice fresh out of school. Point out any extracurricular activities, clubs, or independent study/reading you have done. Anything to get an edge.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

When I graduated I stuck to this little rule...

1 year experience required, NO

1 year experience prefered, YES

That way if they werent going to consider me for this particular position, because I wasnt qualified by definition, I was still a consideration when a position I was qualified for opened up.

I may be crazy but I thought if I sent them a resume for all the positions they would just get used to throwing my app to the side because...there I was again

Good Luck in your search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

The facility I work at now asked for 1 year experience. I applied anyway. I have a year and a half volunteer experience on a telemetry unit and 3 years retail/customer service.

Apply anyway. You never know.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

My advice is apply for everything and anything suitable. You have nothing to lose. I have quite often got jobs this way when I thought I didn't have a chance. Just go for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

Also, since you intend to go on to RN, I suggest you sign up for at least one in class pre-req in the fall semester. You'll meet other LPNs who may know of job openings. This is how I got my job.

Network, network, network :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion