How do you get experience w/o any?

[OnlyDreaming]

I have been looking at jobs in my local hospitals/clinics/doctors offices. Clerical or anything that pays comparable to my most recent job in order to support my family. But most requires experience, yet its entry level. I don't get it! I need experience or connections but cant get any without having experience.

How did you get started or your foot in the door? Thanks!

[OnlyDreaming]

Bump!

[dt70]

Look at the duties/tasks of the desired job and separate that from the target environment. How is what you are already doing similar to those tasks without doing those specific tasks? That is your experience.

I have experience getting hired for jobs that required experience that I had no experience with.

[OnlyDreaming]

Well I interviewed for a job for the hospital and was offered it but they offered me lower than what I was told and it was for my years of experience. Though it was not asking for more than 0-1 years

[RunBabyRN]

If the market doesn't change, you'll find the same experience once you're a nurse. Unfortunately, this is the nature of the beast. Like dt70 said, take the skills you've developed at prior jobs, and figure out how to make them pertinent to the jobs to which you're applying. When people post saying they haven't held a job, I ask if they have babysitting experience. That's caring for people, problem solving, and other skills. Wording is everything. Have you worked in retail? You're doing a lot of customer service, time management, problem solving, multi tasking... How can you make this all relate to what you're applying for?

I hope that helps! I've been a hiring manager (not in nursing), but how people word things does make a difference. It also shows your creativity, which is an important skill on its own.

[nlitened]

Have you tried volunteering? This is a great way to network and get your foot in the door. If you stand out as a volunteer, they may one day look to hire you. Just a thought.

[dt70]

Check rehab places in hospitals. There is a level below experienced that pays close to minimum wage and more than volunteer.

Think of it as a 2nd job not a replacement. There you will gain more experience and be an employee of the hospital.

Guessing -10hrs/wk @$8/hr. Not sure if that's good or bad.

[chiandre]

Network, network, network...

Don't forget to ask your nursing school professors. Most of them have "contacts" in higher places. Recently, I just got two of my students hired because the hiring manager was my classmate in nursing school.