Not what I expected it to be

mazy · Feb 24, 2012

If you're getting a lot of interviews and no offers, it could be that they are seeing something they like on your resume but you're not delivering in the interviews.

I would suggest that you take some mental notes about how those interviews went, what kind of questions they had in common, how you answered, how your experience on paper comes across in person, and try to get a sense of where you're going wrong. Also, think about what it is that they're looking for.

Being experienced as a tech can be both good and bad. It's good because you're bringing a lot to the table; the dicey part is conveying that you are a nurse with a nurse mentality, and not a tech with a nurse's education.

I hope that makes sense.

Best of luck! You'll get there.

RN/Mom · Feb 24, 2012

I had the same experience as you when I was looking for my first LVN job a few years back, so I know how frustrating it is!

Have you contacted any home health agencies? They are often willing to hire new grads, and once you have worked in home health you can at least claim to have some experience... That's what worked for both myself (an LVN) and a couple of my coworkers (both RNs).

Mazee · Feb 24, 2012

mazy -"if you're getting a lot of interviews and no offers, it could be that they are seeing something they like on your resume but you're not delivering in the interviews. "

mazy could be right, my aunt was once a hr director at a ltc a few years back. she had actually told me that they get alot of applicants but only small percentage really live up to the words they write on their resume. they first catch it during interviews. its best maybe to reexamine your deliveries during interviews, look over your resume and practice for any possible scenarios.

notmanydaysoff · Feb 26, 2012

getting a good job is not easy. make sure that you apply for jobs that you are qualified for.

know in advance what it is that the employer is looking for in a suitable candidate. know the organization. keep track of the jobs you apply for, maintain records.

how are you presenting yourself in your interviews? do you come across as self-possessed and confident? how is your english? are you articulate and well-spoken? do you use good grammar? what do you bring to the table? what do you have to offer?

maybe a talk w/someone who is in HR can give you some interview pointers.

I recently got my first nursing job. I really wanted the particular position I applied for. I researched it big time. I got a list of most-likely to be asked questions. I practiced answers, I had prepared responses. for me, looking for a job was serious business.

I wrote a couple posts about my job-hunting experience. look them up in the archives for tips.

stelly66 · Feb 26, 2012

I have been going through the same thing, new grad...applying for any job available, except where i live there are very few jobs for LPN'S...I recently got a job that i really wanted, the only problem is that it requires me to relocate my family, as of now i have left my family behond to make sure i am going to like it...you will get there, dont give up...you educated yourself for a reason, there is some really good advice on this post, i researched the hospital and many possible interview questions and it paid off. I is hard when everyone wants experience, how do you gain experience, when you cant get that job in order to gain experience?

I was very open and honest in my interview about my lack of experience, and let them know that i was interested in this position because i knew that i would gain a wealth of learning at this particular facility, and i basically told them that i was looking for someone to take a chance on me...i realize that this is not the type of business that can afford to "take chances" but it did pay off for me...i wish you all the luck in the world with your new career!

Mazee · Feb 27, 2012

sometimes honesty is the best policy... if they see your sincerity and persistency it will pay off..

dblpn · Feb 27, 2012

Job market in my area is very tight and competitive lots of graduates with little job prospects. most facilities will say experience then hire you to only offer a new grad, tech pay. a friend of mine recently got her lpn and was offered an evening shift in ltc for $16. that sucks when you were making $15.75 as a tech.

CloudySue · Feb 28, 2012

This line worked for me when discussing my lack of experience (and it happened to be true): "I'm obviously not the best nurse in the world, but I want to be." and then I discussed ways in which I'd like to grow as a nurse, how I can accept constructive criticism well and willing to accept challenges. I also mentioned that I believe that it's ok not to know everything, one must simply know how and where to find things out: either asking questions, research in med books, online, etc. and to keep learning by reading articles, journals, etc. They want to know that a new nurse is not going to just sit on her laurels, that she's not too big for her britches, knows where she stands, and is committed to professional improvement. I say, "It's ok to say 'I don't know', but then the next thing out of your mouth needs to be, 'But I'm going to go find out!' " Hope this helps!

ChristinP · Feb 28, 2012

when i was a new grad i had a hard time finding a job. it was always the same thing "no experience"

i took proactive steps to ensure i did my best.

i made sure my resume was good, i had a previous and a current supervisor read it over and tell me what they did and didn't like about it.

i found my interview weaknesses and worked on them.

a brand new nurse needs to sell themselves to someone who can easily hire a nurse with experience, remain confident.

don't give up, i kept my job as a health aide until i found a company willing to hire me.

fyi a lot of states wont hire a new nurse for homecare or any other independent work without experience because you do need that experience to identify any problems that can cause an issue after you leave. you should have other nurses nearby to help answer questions and help you along the way.

newpn04 · Feb 29, 2012

Thank you all for the advice, I'm not quite sure what else I could do during an interview. In almost all the interviews they never even brought up anything about nursing skills. The job I really wanted told me that they chose a applicant with nursing experience. If they do ask about nursing skills I have only had yes or no questions. I tell them I am eager to begin serving patients in a new role as a nurse. I guess I need to change that up. I have had 3 more interviews this week, one said that they were going to call refs and then schedule time for other Director to see me, because she was not there yesterday. So I'm hoping that this will work out, they also took a copy of my Nursing license, so I guess that is a good sign. This is only a part-time position, I really need full-time, but this would be better than nothing, maybe there is potential for full-time. The other two interviews, were phone interviews and both said they will call me by end of week to come in for in-person interview, so I'm just hoping something works out! and yes Where I live as well, Most home health will only hire after 6-12 months of experience.