Can I get an RN job without healthcare experience??

[kristen312]

Hi all,

I will be graduating a well-respected ADN program in my area in May (hopefully). About half, or more, of my classmates are already working as PCTs or some type of tech. My family does not have a ton of money to help me out, I live on my own with a couple of roommates, and pay my own way. I cannot afford to be a tech and only work twice a week, and in current class we have two 9 hour clinicals per week, as well as tons of classwork and studying to keep up with. Right now, I am waiting tables because I can actually make enough money to live comfortably and only work a couple of times per week. Was anyone able to get a job without prior healthcare experience? Being a server has helped me in clinicals exponentially so far - I know how to multi-task, prioritize, be quick on my feet, and I can actually talk to people quite easily. However, I do not know that possible employers will agree. I was recently told be a fellow classmate and tech that I should stick with serving, as being a tech will look good on a resume but in no way guarantee a job. What do you all think? I don't care if it takes me a while to find a job, as long as I can find one within a year.

[melizerd, ASN, RN]

This might vary by area but I got a hospital job without previous experience. I'm an ADN grad too.

It took me about 3 months and around 175 applications, three interviews (2 offers). I applied to all hospitals within an hour one way of my home too. I landed my choice hospital only a few minutes from home but I would have driven if I had to.

[kristen312]

That definitely gives me hope! I have about eight hospitals within 45 minutes from me so I definitely have options, along with dozens of ltc facilities.

[flyersfan88]

I got a job without being an aide or tech. I had years of retail and serving experience, and my employer loved that about me in my interview. Being a CNA isn't the only translatable skill to being a nurse, and any manager worth their salt will know that. I couldn't afford to live off a part time cna salary in school either, and even if I could have, no one wanted to hire me anyway.

Being a tech in school exposes you to things, but the biggest thing is that it gets your foot in the door.

And I work at a top 10 hospital in the us. Really, it's all in who you know. Network in clinicals and with people you know that are already nurses. Be shameless, you never know who will help you.

[DontSpeakDefeat]

I got a RN job in a hospital 3 months after I passed my Nclex with my ADN and no hospital experience...Just keep faith, keep applying, and practice interview questions

[firstinfamily, RN]

I also entered the healthcare field with no prior experience. I worked retail and was able to use those skills I learned in dealing with the public to healthcare. I think it depends on your attitude and drive. I believe those working as CNAs may have an advantage in the nursing skills they are learning, but not necessarily in the ability to problem solve etc. When you pass your NCLEX apply to as many places as you can. Continue working as a waitress if that is what pays the bills, not all of us started with the benefits of being in the healthcare field.

[Java_Wench]

I graduated with an ADN in May, passed NCLEX July 31, and had no previous experience in the medical field. I began applying in April, applied at the two hospitals in my area. About 150 applications put in. At the beginning of September, I had two interviews with the nurse recruiters for both hospitals. After that, I had three other interviews with floor managers, four job offers and had my first day of on-the-floor orientation today. It may depend on your area, but I had no problem getting a job without experience. Good luck! :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I had no healthcare experience. I made more money working with a friend doing renovations than I would have as an aide. I had a job before I wrote the RN exam.