Just A Rant!!!!!!!!!

MedChica · Dec 10, 2012

I am a fresh, new grad RN. I have seen a few ads seeking new grads and I have been lucky enough to get several interviews. Once I get there why do they ask " So do you have any experience?" I thought this was for a new grad!!!!!!???
To make it more interesting they also ask " So what other languages do you speak?"
What!!!!!!
I'm just a new grad RN who is not multi- lingual, nor do I have any acute experience in a hospital:no:
What I am is extremely passionate, a patient advocate,who would love to show you what I can do. PLease give me a chance.
Just a rant,
Caffeine

I know that this is a rant, but...I don't 'get' it.

1. These employers ARE/WERE giving you a chance. That's why you got the interview.

2. 'Do you have any experience'?

You have no acute exp. Yeah - they know that. It's not like your interviewer doesn't know what you look like 'on paper'. LOL

I think an interviewer would ask such a question to see how you'll respond...to know what you've got and if you're even worth the resources and training.

This is your opportunity to shine, I think.

Have you ANY exp in healthcare...as an EMT, med aide, nurse aide, radiology, therapy, surg tech, vounteer, psych, health insurance, etc...?

Do you have ANY 'transferrable' skills, i.e., scheduling, teaching/instruction, leadership/management, conflict resolution, customer/pt advocacy, critical thinking, multi-tasking, etc....?

I see that you've had several interview. Are they with the same company or are you just blowing interviews left/right with several different employers?

If it's the latter, you should brush up on your interview skills.

It is, what it is.

You either know how to sell yourself...or you don't.

AlaBro2010 · Dec 10, 2012

I agree with previous poster. I was asked the same question and I said "Although I don't have any actual acute nursing experience, I have x clinical hours and I acquired x,y,z skills. Additionally, at my previous job although unrelated I did x, y, z". X,y,z being relevant skills to the position. For example, I used to be a nanny and I'm great with kids, I've never wanted to work with peds specifically but I know at my job I will see peds patients frequently and I am familiar how to communicate with them, etc. you can always turn a question around. Sell yourself, definitely go for every chance to do so, even if its not what they're looking for they'll appreciate that you know the job description (like in mine, I knew I'd be working with a variety of patient ages). Good luck!

Edited to add: you don't mention what you say in reply to those questions so you may be saying what I've already mentioned but its a tough market and I hope my advice will help you. Also, to the language question, tell them no you don't but you are more than willing to learn any basic language they feel will be beneficial to the job.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 12, 2012

I agree with belle, sell yourself on what new skills you are willing to obtain if you get hired!!! Most places want a new great who is wiling to give their organization a chance. I saw MANY new grads in my healthcare career lifetime LEAVE within two weeks to transferring to another unit ONCE their loans were paid off...those questions that they ask are based on how much you are going to invest in their organization and in your career...once you know that answer, the questions will be able to be answered and you will land that position.

Ruiz001 · Dec 12, 2012

Hi, Caffeineaddict i been following your post because i seen that you have previously taken the transition courses at Harbor. Am gonna be a new student taking the same classes for Spring of 2013 and am nervous as i do not know what to expect from them. I know they are online courses but are you require to go to campus at anytime. I would appreciate if you fill me in a little. Sorry this is irrelevant to your original post. I hope you have good luck in your job search i know its hard but keep trying dont give up

caffeineaddict · Dec 13, 2012

Hi, Caffeineaddict i been following your post because i seen that you have previously taken the transition courses at Harbor. Am gonna be a new student taking the same classes for Spring of 2013 and am nervous as i do not know what to expect from them. I know they are online courses but are you require to go to campus at anytime. I would appreciate if you fill me in a little. Sorry this is irrelevant to your original post. I hope you have good luck in your job search i know its hard but keep trying dont give up

Hey Ruiz,

I just pm you. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Caffeine