Just graduated!! DILEMMA: I don't have hospital experience other than school clinical

yikib38 · May 18, 2011

Congrats on graduating, but unfortunately you've joined the rest of us =\. The hospitals don't have the funds to pay for New Grad training and the few positions that do become available to us 'unexperienced' RNs get flooded with applicants. At this point it's really about getting lucky.

Teleflurry, DNP · May 18, 2011

Here's my advice. It worked for me years ago and still works today for new grads. Apply to night shift - not only because it's often harder for companies to fill these slots but because you WILL be paid more. Then a couple of months down the road if you so desire to transfer to an open dayshift position it will be loads easier. I also recommend this approach (applying to night shift first) when changing specialties down the road for you. When I started in the ICU, it was much easier finding night shift positions than days.

To make your resume look more chunky - be sure to add your goals "short and long term" to express your intention of wanting to gain experience in such and such department (make it specific to the unit you apply to )

Hope it helps a little, and Ill send a lil prayer your way.

-Teleflurry

SunSurfRN · May 18, 2011

I wish people knew about this before they started school....if you don't know anyone who can lean on a manager to hire you and you have to slog it out with the new grad residency programs, it could be a long long job search. Theres grads from last 2-3 yrs still attempting to break into acute care : ( Its sad.

SAMISA09 · May 18, 2011

Welcome to the club! But don’t get discouraged, I am sure as long as you are open to any shift and any specialty you will get something. You should send resumes and call the nursing recruiter to follow up! In the mean time focus on your NCLEX and don’t get stressed. Congratulations and good luck!

itri4vt · May 18, 2011

Congrats on graduating! Don't forget to focus on the NCLEX too. I had a review course (Hurst) just after finals in my program, and I believe THAT is what helped me pass with 75 questions. You can take the course online too. Having passed the NCLEX will increase your chances of getting a job or into a residency program and having all that knowledge organized in your head will help if you have some tricky clinical interview questions (which I have yet to deal with, but I'm ready! )

Also, I know you are probably not wanting to think about more school, but it will help your chances of finding a job if you express interest in continuing your education to pursue a BSN. As more and more graduates come out, hospitals will be able to be picky! So you can put yourself more "in the middle of the pack" if you say you're eager to continue your education and you're interested in what the employer has to offer regarding continued training and education.

This is a tough road! Find ways that YOU are unique among this sea of new graduates. Find something in your past background that may not be medical related that you can connect with what it takes to be an excellent nurse. Have you ever worked as a server in restaurant? They are MUCH like nurses in that they must multi-task while keeping a friendly attitude. Have you worked as a desk clerk? Then emphasize your people skills and organizational skills, as well as your ability to learn new computer systems. HIGHLIGHT these in your resume and cover letter. On your resume, list the jobs that could potentially be related to nursing skills and tailor the job responsibilities to be that of what a nurse might need to do.

And finally, and this is really important once you're done with NCLEX and have more time... network!! Find nurses in your neighborhood, on freecycle, at the coffeeshop, from your clinicals... anyone that can help you meet the right people to find a job. Most of the students that graduated out of my program and stayed in that location found great jobs in acute care by networking through their internship preceptor.

I don't think it's only about being lucky, yikib38, it's about being proACTIVE and not just relying on the system. Online applications are SO impersonal, so yes, doing only that is placing yourself in luck's hands. But if you find ways to network and get at least a toe in the door, you're taking your future into your own hands.

Good luck. #1 Focus is the NCLEX right now. Go to http://www.hurstreview.com and consider forking out the cash for the review... it is WORTH it.

studystudy · May 18, 2011

Find something in your past background that may not be medical related that you can connect with what it takes to be an excellent nurse. Have you ever worked as a server in restaurant? They are MUCH like nurses in that they must multi-task while keeping a friendly attitude. Have you worked as a desk clerk? Then emphasize your people skills and organizational skills, as well as your ability to learn new computer systems. HIGHLIGHT these in your resume and cover letter. On your resume, list the jobs that could potentially be related to nursing skills and tailor the job responsibilities to be that of what a nurse might need to do.

What a great idea..... here I thought I had ZERO relevant experience besides school clinicals (although I did take an additional, elective clinical one summer). I might have to add some of this to my cover letter or resume! Thanks!

And good luck to the OP! :up:

ondahill · May 18, 2011

Choose a hospital that has a Nurse Resident Program. Then you will have a coach/preceptor for 18-24 more weeks until you feel comfortable.

clebius · May 18, 2011

I just graduated from an associate's degree. I plan to take the NCLEX within the next month or so, but now I am already thinking ahead of how to increase my chances of getting a job. I don't have any experience at all, except for the clinical rotations I had in school and I'm afraid my resume won't be very exciting
I've been browsing online in hospital websites on job postings ans it's very intimidating to see the qualifications like "experience preferred" and I only came across one or two "new grads welcome" but only in OR which I'm not too excited about (although I'm thinking of grabbing whatever position will be open as long as I get a job)
Should I look for externships even though I am already a graduate? (I wish I knew about these when I was still in school! :hdvwl:) Would that up my chance a little bit? Or should I just go ahead and send resumes anyway and hope for the best?
Hope anybody could give me suggestions what steps to take?

Most hospitals will hire New Grads and provide extra mentoring. Apply where you did your clinical, usually a good choice you are somewhat comfortable. Right now focus on studying for NCLEX. See Facebook page retention and success for NCLEX tips.

senseiRN · May 19, 2011

I'm on the same boat as you. I don't have work experience outside of clinical rotations either :/ Right now, I am just focusing on passing the NCLEX. Where I'm from, unless you are applying for new grad residency programs, they don't look at your application unless you already have a license.

new.grad · May 23, 2011

thank you sooooo much for all your replies! I appreciate them so much :) I am looking through hospital websites in my area that have nurse residency programs because I feel like I need more experience other than the clincals in school but I didn't realize even searching for those are not easy! :eek: so I guess I have to focus first on passing the nCLEX!

ischialspines · May 23, 2011

As a recently hired new grad that was fearful I would never get a job (and ended up getting the exact job I wanted!), here is my advice:

1. Figure out where you want to work and WHY. Really know why.

2. Apply for the position. Helpful to know the name of nurse manager first, if you can.

3. Call the nurse manager (hosp operator can direct your call) and tell him/her that you have applied, and that you would like to schedule a time to meet and possibly shadow a nurse. I was about to barf from nerves when I did this, but it is essential.

4. Be persistent if necessary. Call back and leave a POLITE message in a few days if you haven't heard back from them.

5. Meet/interview - be prepared with resume, references, reference letters if you have them, and answers to interview questions (traditional and behavioral). Ask to shadow a nurse if possible, or if another interview isn't scheduled at that time. The more faces you meet, hands you shake, eye contact you make, the better.

6. Send thank you note and follow up.

Also, remember to be genuine, kind and polite. Always.