Am I a new nurse, or a new nurse with lots of experience

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

Well.....you ARE a brand new nurse, BUT your resume should include all your employment hx, including what you've said here. Not sure what else you'd be trying to do, really, other than submit your resume? You cannot apply for jobs that call for experienced RNs, as you simply aren't one (there's obviously more to nursing than your paramedic background includes, as you know).

Anyone interested in hiring would have to look at the resume, so.....there you go.

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

I agree with RNsRWe. Your work history will be on your resume, and you'll have listed your skills so it will be completely apparent that you have previous medical experience.

ddaviddudley · Apr 7, 2015

Even if employers are aware of your prior experience, they won't view your skill set and knowledge to be equivalent to an experienced nurse.

It is true that a lot of the skills of medics and nurses are similar, the knowledge base and way of thinking of the two positions are very different.

Granted, your experience should give you a marketable edge over someone who has no experience at all but even that depends on the employer. Hospitals are different and have different standards as to what they consider to be a qualified applicant.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 7, 2015

You ARE a brand new nurse as you have never worked in the capacity as a license PN or RN. Now, that doesn't mean your past experience isn't valuable; it most certainly is! But employers will not see you or pay you as an experienced nurse because you are a new grad.

A paramedic's scope of practice is not the same as that of a nurse.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

First of all, congratulations on completing your ASN. With your skills and experience, you will be an asset to any unit.

To answer the question, in the eyes of the HR dept you are a new RN grad with a great work history in prehospital services. Do list every certification and credential on your resume. Don't over think this. They will be lucky to hire such a skilled new grad.

The only thing I can add is that it can be an adjustment. It is just human nature to want to be appreciated for our hard work, knowledge and experience, but when you are in an entry level position, it is better to be reserved rather than to promote yourself. It sounds like you will be a great new grad! Good luck!

medicbroomer · Apr 7, 2015

I am not looking to get paid on par with 15 years experience as I know in reality world that I don't have 15 years nursing experience as a NURSE, but I am hoping that I can get some credit for the experience I have.

My only problem is I don't know how to market myself without overselling.

ddaviddudley · Apr 7, 2015

Again, it just depends on the facility. Some hospitals will give you credit for your experience, some won't.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

I had four years of LVN experience when I completed an LPN-to-RN transition program. Once I passed NCLEX, I was considered a new grad RN for all intents and purposes. Some of the RN job offers were for less money than I had been earning as an experienced LVN.

So, to answer your question, it depends on the employer. Most will consider you a new grad RN with previous healthcare experience.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

Unfortunately, the HR people would not start an LPN with 15 years of experience at a higher hourly wage than any other new grad, and they probably would not do so for a paramedic either. It's not fair, but that is generally how it works.

Submit a polished resume and cover letter and have two written references.

Put salary desired "negotiable" on the application. You know, it's like a poker game. They really want you to want them but for the lowest price. Expect a lowball first offer. Just say nicely I really need three dollars more to meet my obligations. The recruiter will say I need to check on that and call back. you will probably have a second offer for two more dollars per hour. That has always worked for me.

Also, mention the cost of living in Miami. Ask can you help with relocation expenses. This will be worth 1500 - 2000 easily.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

I previously used to work in HR hiring nurses, and I'm going to be blunt: unless you have PAID experience as an RN, you will go in the same pile as all the other new grads whether they've been a paramedic for 15 years or never stepped foot in a hospital before they did clinicals. When I went through those piles I usually made 2 piles: those who did clinicals at our hospital and those who did not. I then would speak to the floors they did clinicals on to see if they wdre memorable or if the floor was even interested in interviewing them. Then, afterwards, I would give tye second pile a go around. You will need to wow HR with your resume but be aware, we rarely spend more than 30s-1min reading your resume so be straight and to the point at the same time.

Summary: you are classified as a new grad nurse.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

I disagree with ICUmaggie. I had three years of exp.as a LPN. When I received an RN job ad a new grad, I did get paid more because I had experience as a nurse already. For every year I was LPN I got .50cent. So that was an extra 1.50$ an hour not much, but I was happy that I got paid more based on my LPN experience. So It just depends on where you live and work.