experience

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Specializes in public health.

I see a lot of people mentioning that new grads need enough experience in order to get a job. What do you mean by experience? Doesn't most nursing programs (bachelor or associate) have clinical portion? Does that count as experience? What about experience as a hospital volunteer? What about working experience with hospital but not as a nurse? Do they count? Will they increase your chance of getting a job? Thanks!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I've heard of places wanting experienced nurses but not expecting new grads to have experience. It is hard out there right now but don't give up. My advice would be to apply to any opening that looks interesting even if it is asking for experience, unless they specifically say no new grads of course. If you made a good impression on any nurses or managers during your clinicals definitely get in touch with them to ask for a job or advice. Good luck!

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Specializes in Rehab, Telemetry/Med-Surg.

In my area, the new grads who worked as patient care techs/student nurse techs at the hospitals during nursing school got hired immediately after graduation. They were considered to have more experience as new grads as compared to those who did not work in those positions.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I think right now most places are wanting experienced nurses for positions because it is cheaper to train an experienced nurse vs. a brand new nurse. I know that is the case at my facility because I heard that directly from HR. A lot of places are about keeping costs down during this time. I agree with a previous poster though, keep trying and keep applying. On my old floor (Med-Surg) my manager hired brand new nurses a lot. On my new floor (OB/Nursery) my manager seems to stick with experienced nurses. You never know until you try and I wish you luck!!

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Clinicals DON'T count!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Sorry, but hospitals and many other facilities do not consider your clinicals to be work experience.

Volunteering often is (but not always) considered as experience...but at the least, volunteering puts you in a favorable light.

Working in a hospital as an aide, tech, non-nurse, etc. can often (again, but not always) give you a considerable advantage when it comes to applying to jobs because you will gain experience working in a hospital setting. However, the job market is so tight that it's no longer the guaranteed "in" for RN jobs that it used to be (ask a few of my classmates).

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Specializes in Gerontology & Med/Surge.

I agree with everyone. The job market and economy is so bad that no one wants to hire a new grad. I got my first job at an Asissted living place because of the new $1000.00 tax break Federal Governament offered. But I never gave up and kept applying. I had many interviews but most told me that they will call me if they need me. However, One of my best interview was in a big hospital for an opening on a stroke unit. I had a great time, that nurese manager was very laid back. I left with the impression that I will get the job and I did. I took my physical today and will start early next month. To all who are looking for a job, please dont give up. Keep aplying for any and all job you see where it don't say "no new grads". I applied well over 200 times and got 3 jobs now. Two partime and one full time. If I can do it, so can you. Keep it up and Good luck.

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Specializes in public health.

Augustboy, did you have any working experience before you applied and got the job? If so, what kind?

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

I worked for a year as a student nurse and that hasn't helped me find a job at all. I think it actually hurt my chances because they keep asked why that hospital didn't hire me. I feel like I would have much more experience than someone who never did an externship because most of the time I was working as a nurse. I had my own patients and was responsible for doing everything. I was able to take care of up to 5 patients without much of a problem. And I had to do vitals and baths which the nurses on the floor didn't have to do (they had techs).

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I worked for a year as a student nurse and that hasn't helped me find a job at all. I think it actually hurt my chances because they keep asked why that hospital didn't hire me. I feel like I would have much more experience than someone who never did an externship because most of the time I was working as a nurse. I had my own patients and was responsible for doing everything. I was able to take care of up to 5 patients without much of a problem. And I had to do vitals and baths which the nurses on the floor didn't have to do (they had techs).

Hey Prinsessa, keep telling your self that they didnt deserve you and you will see that at the end of a day you will be a great asset for some hospital....good luck

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