How to get a nursing job without experience?

Nurses General Nursing

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After passing my boards and gerring a job I was dx'd with cancer ; now that I am in remission it's impossible to get a job !!!!! I have applied to every job I can think of , even in nursing homes (was my last option). I only had the chance to work 3-4 months before sickness hit. Luckly for me I was put on SSD after a 6 month waiting period but I didn't go to school to sit at home !!!! Can anyone help me?

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Specializes in Geri - Edu - Infection Control - QAPI.

Glad to hear you're in remission!

You may have to think outside the box when it comes to applying for jobs, even with nursing homes. What was the previous job you had before getting sick? If they are unable to hire you, I would ask them if they know any companies hiring at the moment and if they would provide a reference for you.

I would also try walking into nursing homes, ask to fill out an application, and be prepared for an interview. I am a Staff Development Nurse at a skilled nursing facility, and we have hired a lot of walk-in applicants.

Hope that helps!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

First of all, WOOHOO!! You're in remission. Take care of yourself.

Here in north Texas the job market is absolutely positively saturated with nurses. You may need to move to a place where they'll want new nurses. Have you considered working for one of the agencies that provide influenza vaccines? That's a temp job that may pay off and it will at least give you something to do.

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Tthank you , I have done all of that and yes they let me use them as a reference . What is sad is I've worked in healthcare since 1995 as a mental health tech, cna and an ER tech in a level 1 trauma center where we did everything but meds , ive been actively looking for a job for 3 months now . I even found a job at the hospital where I worked in the ER and they said they would hire me back but we have moved since then but they have a travel company contract so I tried to get hired through them and explain that they would allow me to work there but I need the extra $ for housing and they rrwuire a year so it was a no

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I've applied for everything here in meridian ms and we are floodepd with nurses , we just had several classes graduate also

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Specializes in Geri - Edu - Infection Control - QAPI.

Another option is speaking with a Career Placement Advisor or professor at the nursing school where you graduated. Most times they are able to connect you with someone they know. And because of that connection, you may get the job over other applicants.

Are there any group homes near you? With your mental health background, that could be an option. Take all the free CEUs you can in the specialties you're interested. Definitely use those keywords in your resume and cover letters.

Don't give up! I almost applied for a job at Target before I got my first RN job.

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Ty so much for you guys comments, I totally see cancer in a different light !!!!!! I also had a total right Nephrectomy last year so its been a rough ride ; I'm just ready to take my life back . They just closed our group homes as well as our substance program . Jobs here are slim so you hve to be willing to drive , if it wasnt for SSD I would be lost

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