How does one gain experience if experience is required?

[Jmarty31]

I'm a nursing student getting my CNA; my question is how does one gain experience when basically all openings want experience? I'm interested in maybe applying to psych or ER and psych said: 2 years med surg experience wanted.

[Jmarty31]

Most jobs say that, it doesn't hurt to apply. I worked in a LTAC facility with vents, trachs, blood transfusions, etc for 6 months before getting into a hospital on their med surg floor. She preferred for me to have more experience but she still hired me! So don't give up!

maybe it's just preferential but if someone comes in and they're willing to work hard it's accepted

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I went to a less desirable area, and worked my way into a ED position within 18 months-I went from LTC, to a post-acute facility, and then a Level I Trauma ED.

So either a less desirable, new-grad friendly area or a less desirable area and work your way from outside hospital high acuity places to a hospital-it can be done.