How much did working while in school help you find a job licensure

[icechick, RN]

Hi all,

I just finished my first yr of nursing school (BSN) & really want to work in a hospital over the summer, but it just doesn't seem like that is going to happen. I am worried that I will graduate next yr & will have a hard time finding a job because I will have no healthcare experience to put on my resume. So my question to new grads/recent hires, how much experience did you hae on your resume & do you feel it was helpful to have it or detrimental not to have experience? I really want to do everything I can to secure a job post licensure. Any advice?

[caliotter3]

I was working as a CNA and got hired at the same facility for my first full time nursing job. I think it was very helpful to have worked there while in school. I was also encouraged to seek a job at one of the facilities where I was doing a clinical placement. Unfortunately, the job was closed when I went to apply, otherwise I would have been working there. It definitely pays to apply where you are working or doing clinical. Lots of people get their jobs that way.

[icechick, RN]

Thanks for you reply. I know it definitely helps to already be working in a facility. I am wondering how many nurses did not have that experience on their resume & did you find it was harder to get a job?

(the title should read: how much did working while in school help you to find a job after receiving your license? Is it hard to find a job with no previous experience other than clinicals?)