Is there such a thing as bad experience?

[RN_Sara]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so I am hoping I am doing this correctly. I just graduated and passed my

boards this summer. I have been heavily job searching since then. I have applied to at least 100 jobs since then without getting any interviews? I have no nursing experience but have worked in social services for over 17 years. My dream job is hospital but without experience I won't be getting one of those anytime soon.

My question is, is there any type of job experience that a hospital would look at negatively or is any experience at all good?

Thanks!

[perioddrama]

If you have bills to pay, any income is great, even while you are looking for your dream hospital job.

The thing to keep in mind is that if you are planning to apply to new grad/versant residencies or even positions, there are different definitions for "new grads." Hospital A may consider new grads as having less than 1 year of paid RN experience. Hospital B may consider new grads has having NO experience at all.

So, if you've worked as a flu shot nurse for 2 weeks, you wouldn't be considered a new grad for Hospital B, but you would be for Hospital A. Does that make sense?

Good luck job hunting!

[RN_Sara]

I do have a full time job in social services (I worked full time while going through school) so paying bills is not an issue. I am trying to remind myself I have only been a nurse for a couple of months and something will come. It is just discouraging to get declined for so many jobs all the time.

Thanks!!!

[perioddrama]

It is just discouraging to get declined for so many jobs all the time.

Thanks!!!

It is discouraging, but chin up! You've only been at it a few months. In this economy, it is taking a lot longer to land that first RN job.

Good luck!

[RN_Sara]

Thanks for the replies!!! :)

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Seems like 6 months to a year is average. Keep at it and network as much as you can.