Experienced RN's only Job Fair

mochabean · Jun 10, 2009

My answer may not be helpful, since I haven't started nursing school yet. But if I were in your shoes, I would go to the job fair anyway. You don't have anything to lose, so just put on something nice, hand out your resume, and keep it moving. You never know what could happen and at least you can say you tried.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 10, 2009

Go for it. If you don't, you may find yourself down the road, wondering "what if I had..."

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 10, 2009

Go to it. The worst thing that will happen is that they will tell you, "thank you but we're not interested," and you'll be back where you started...which is where'd you'd be anyway had you not gone :) So why not give it a shot?

ohhwee73 · Jun 10, 2009

I would go to the job fair anyway too!!! Monday I went to a nursing job fair for experienced nurses (I graduated in March and took my boards in May). The new grads outnumbered the "experienced" nurses 3 to 1! I was able to meet the nurse manager and recruiter of the ICU unit and low and behold they do hire Grad Nurses on this unit! They took my information and told me to apply for the RN position and give her a call to let her know to pull my application!!! Believe me I know it's discouraging, but you have an advantage over other new grads.......you have your RN already!!!! The recruiter explained to me that the GN's who were hired in March are just now taking their NCLEX....and are failing, which usually means a demotion down to nurse tech and the GN position opens back up. Not that we are trying to step on our fellow nurses, but the GN is expected to passs the NCLEX to maintain employment. You are less of an liability because they don't have to worry about you failing the NCLEX and wasting valuable time and money in training. This had never crossed my mind and it made a lot of sense!!!!! So don't give up!!!!!!

By the way I did get a job today at another major health system today!!!!!! I applied for a regular staff nurse position, not a GN or intern position. I only have 8 months previous nursing assistant experience. Even though this is a med/surg/oncology they are not the least hesistant to provide training. Hang in there and keep calling the HR Department and don't forget to apply for STAFF NURSE positions because that's what you are!!!!

Snugglibumkins · Jun 10, 2009

I agree, you have nothing to lose by going.

Even if they are only asking for "experienced nurses", you might run into someone there that can help you figure out how to gain experience. I'd go with the intent to check out the facility and also to see if any educational opportunities there might help you to gain experience. Perhaps they have an ICU program or something that they would be willing to train you for.

Good luck!!

iamanurse#1 · Jun 11, 2009

Wow!!..thank you all so much for your replies and valuable advise...I will be attending all three fairs with my head high and my confidence soaring. I wish everyone who's still job hunting lots of luck and success in finding a job soon.

iamanurse#1 · Jul 9, 2009

Just wanted to come back and update everyone on the outcome of my original post and encourage all the GN's out there without jobs to keep pressing on.

Well I went to the nursing fair as advised by everyone who responded to me. I acted very confident and calm even though I was terrified and intimidated. I was sure I would be turned away at the entrance..but they were quite welcoming even after they found out I was a GN. I dressed very professional-a plus for me- because there were individuals there looking as if they were hanging out at home with friends.

Most of the nurse managers that I met reinerated that they were looking for experienced nurses. I kept pressing on and got to a manager who mentioned that she believed that there may be a position available on the pysch/med unit. The pysch manager was not there but she assured me that she would forward my information to her. I left the fair feeling good even though I did not get offered a position. I had made some connections and would use that to get a job at this hospital one way or another.

As promised twenty four hours later I got an email from the manager indicating she had submitted my resume to the pysch manager. Within a week HR contacted me for an interview and I had a job offer three days later.

Now this position would not be my first choice if I had a choice..and during the interview I found out its 90% pyche-10% medical. But in this job market I am happy I have a job. I take in consideration that I am now part of the largest hospital system in Orlando and it will be easy to move to a more medical position in six months to a year. Then again I may find out I love it and stay...life's funny like that.

So to all the GN's out there you will get a job. Just be open to all options and take whatever you can get for now.

Thanks again for the advise everyone gave me...it paid off!!! :yeah:

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 9, 2009

Yes, definitely. I went to one that was for 'experienced RNs only'

I ended up landing a non-advertised grad nurse position, and now I'm an RN at that same hospital.

If nothing else, it will help to get your name out there. Be prepared with copies of your resume, references,etc. There may be many managers there from different units. Make sure you have enough resumes to "go around."

Good Luck to you.. The right opportunity will present itself.

Best,

Diane, RN

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 9, 2009

if I had a choice..and during the interview I found out its 90% pyche-10% medical. But in this job market I am happy I have a job. I take in consideration that I am now part of the largest hospital system in Orlando and it will be easy to move to a more medical position in six months to a year. Then again I may find out I love it and stay...life's funny like that:

Congratulations to you- I love your positive attitude and determination!!

Best to you,

Diane, RN