May graduation, no healthcare experience

[MayRN2987]

I will be graduating an ADN program at a local community college in May. I have no healthcare experience, and the reality of that is finally setting in. I am worried about how I will be able to get hired with no experience. It seems to be the general consensus that one must have experience as a CNA/PCT in order to be hired in my area. There is a multitude of reasons for why I never worked as a CNA. To start, I am a mother of two small children and a full time student. I decided long ago that there was no way I could work, go to school, and raise two kids at the same time and do of any of them well. In addition, I receive financial aid for my schooling, and if I had worked I would have lost the financial aid and consequently would not have been able to afford going back to school. Regardless of the reason, it became apparent to me that I had done myself a great disservice by not gaining the patient care experience that comes with working in the field. By the time I realized my folly my license had expired. My question is how will I justify my lack of experience to potential employers?

In addition, I was wondering how confident everyone felt on their first job? Although I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, I feel woefully unprepared for the day when I am on my own. I would feel more confident if I could find a hospital with a nurse residency program, but I live in a rural area and there is nothing of the sort around here. I have heard from fellow students that the nurses they know have told them that you learn the most on the first job instead of at school. Is this true?

Thanks for listening and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[AliNajaCat]

When you apply for work, they'll read your application and figure it out. Nobody expects even a former CNA to be ready to hit the floors running without pretty extensive orientation. Be honest when you interview, don't hem and haw, tell them forthrightly that you're sure that with a decent orientation you'll be up to speed along with the other new hires because gosh darn it, you're smart, good looking, and people like you. And it's even true. :)

Good luck!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Your a new grad. Only RN experience matters from now on so just go for it.

[FutureNurseInfo]

I understand how you feel. I am a pre-nursing student so I have a long journey ahead of me before I even start thinking, "Gosh I am graduating soon and have no clinical experience!" But here are some things you can do to enhance your chances of getting hired. Just like other posters said, you are smart and have what it takes, so kill it when you get an interview! Also, between now and your graduation in May, if there is time, of course, find a hospital to volunteer: it does not have to be ALL patient care, as long as you are getting some hospital experience. Even customer service can easily translate to patient care, if you think about it. Also, you may not get hired right away, so when summer comes you can research and see which hospitals may provide an internship opportunity. Moreover, feel free to check out other healthcare establishments like nursing homes and clinics. Finally, if nothing works out in terms of opportunities to gain that valuable experience, how well you do during the interview may outshine the fact you are brand new and with no experience. Good luck!