Getting a first job out of school

Columnist · Apr 26, 2012

Moved to Nursing First Job Hunt Assistance for more response.

stephanie2012 · Apr 26, 2012

Hello, probably, you can be a assistant first instead of RN or ..., since you have no experience, and assistant is also good position to acquire the knowledge and experiences, after you have some experience, you would get promotion, also you can change to another better job .

I am graduating soon and have started looking for RN positions. So, here's the thing. I don't understand why they say there is a shortage of nursing jobs. There are lots of jobs out there. HOWEVER, can someone please tell me how I am supposed to get a job as a new RN when just about everyone wants you to have a year of experience before they hire you? There are a few hospitals out there that will consider hiring graduate nurses, but not many.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what approach I should take? I am starting to look at ED Tech and NA positions as well because... I need a job. But, even if I take a position like that... that does not give me the year of RN experience that I need.
HELP!!!!

LollygaggerRN · Apr 26, 2012

It isn't easy. I am a new grad (Dec 11) and have managed to land 3 jobs that didn't require one year of experience. But, I had to be creative and look outside the box..........way outside. I have three part time jobs: one in a school, one in an ALF for individuals with MI (this is an assessment and consultant type position) and one in the recovery room of a small ambulatory surgical center.

Use your past experience to sell yourself. Write incredible cover letters. My jobs all required something a little more personal than the online hospital application. It is nearly impossible to win over the hiring manager with those "fill-in-the-blank" kind of applications. If you can look for something smaller, more personal (if that makes sense) you may be able to get a foot in a door to gain your experience.

Good Luck!!

ecf1972 · Apr 26, 2012

Thanks for the response! I have been looking at EVERYTHING. What kind of school are you working at and in what capacity? If you don't mind me asking.... did you get your BSN or ASN? And did you have any experience in the medical field before you graduated? This is a career change for me, so although I have almost 20 years of customer service experience, I have zero healthcare experience. And I am graduating from an Associates program, which seems to be a dirty word in the healthcare realm. I am planning on going back to get my BSN, I just can't seem to get everything done soon enough.

Also, out of curiosity, what region are you in? I'm in the Philadelphia area. I am looking at things in NJ and DE as well... I am just starting to freak out.

Sorry for all the questions!

Shay08 · Apr 26, 2012

It's tough out there, I agree! Sometimes having a connection is key. Do you know anyone at any of the facilities you're interested in who could steer you in the right direction? How about your nursing instructors or clinical instructors? At my school, many of our instructors work (or used to work) at nearby hospitals. Your teachers may know nurse managers or HR people you could contact. Or maybe former classmates? I'm getting ready to graduate with my BSN next month. I was able to secure myself a hospital RN position for after graduation because I did an externship on the unit where I will be working. But the reason I landed that externship was because I knew someone who was able to direct me to the HR recruiter, and as a result, the nurse manager.

Good luck!!

LollygaggerRN · Apr 27, 2012

To answer your questions: I have an ADN and no prior medical experience, however....I have a BS in Psych (from the early 90s) and worked in casemanagement for a state agency for several years. I really think that is what helped me. It's not like I have mad nursing skills or anything. Also, I don't think it is that big of a deal, but I got a 4.0 in nursing school and made sure I bolded it on my resume. I don't know if anybody even noticed, but I figured it was worth putting on there. Also got my ACLS certification.

I am a school nurse for a small school district, in addition to my other two jobs. I live in the Northwest. I really think I have a fantastic situation. Of course, with part time jobs there are no benefits, so that is something to consider. But I have great variety, don't get bored, and feel like I am gaining a lot of great experience.

I refuse to go back to school for a BSN until someone absolutely forces me. Seriously....I am soooo done. I know that if I ever want to work in a hospital I will need that crazy bachelor's degree.....but there are very few areas of the hospital I would even consider.

Oh.....and my dirty little secret is that I found two of my jobs off Craigslist. Take a look there....it can't hurt!

Good luck! Pretty soon you will be turning down offers!