How I got my first job

613 Posts

Its kind of crazy actually, sharing my story because perhaps it can help someone else.

I had applied everywhere I possibly could within 1 -1:15 hours commute. Well over 150 applications in. Hospitals to clinics to nursing homes, you name it I applied there. In a month I got one call that lead to one interview and no offer.

Then I got an email from my dream hospital inviting me to a hiring blitz. I was unsure about going, why would they hire a new grad there? But I went, I figured the experience alone would be valuable. I got there and there was well over 100 people, it had been running for 2 hours already and this was day 1 of a three day event. I thought seriously about leaving. People around me said they had been there for 2 hours already.

After 3 hours of waiting I got interviewed, the HR lady liked me. She told me about a program they are offering new grads. They hire you as a basically a CNA until their new grad program starts in January (they get almost 1000 applications for 30 spots), for which I would be guaranteed a place, do the 10 week new grad program and then I'm guaranteed an offered for a position. She asked if I would be interested in interviewing with the manager running it. I said yes.

After 30 minutes of questions I was offered a place! I met with his manager and because of my prior experience as an LVN I got placed to be an ER tech (its a level 1 trauma center) instead of working in med/surg like they are placing most of the other candidates. I am so excited, I know a lot of people wouldn't be but I know I'm going to see so much in the next two months, and by the time I start the new grad program I will know the hospital, the computers, the charting and a lot of the staff. And unlike those in the standard new grad program I am guaranteed a job there after. I see it as nothing as an advantage.

I feel silly but I didn't even know there were programs like this, I knew some hospitals had student nurse positions and I know some do new grad programs, but nothing like this. I'm feeling thankful I stumbled into this. So my advice is go to anything that might get you an interview and keep an open mind. You never know what amazing opportunity is waiting for you. I never would have dreamed I'd walk out of there with a job.