New BSN grad -Do I have the experience needed for a hospital job?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Hi Nurse Beth,

I am currently working private duty home health as an RN. I worked for this company for 7 years first as an LPN and then as an RN. I am graduating with my BSN this winter and was wondering what should be my next career move? I have never worked in a hospital but have 14 months experience in LTC/Subacute rehab. I do not even know if I could get a job in a hospital now. Thank you for any advice you can give.

Dear BSN Graduate,

Congratulations! You have set some high goals for yourself and accomplished them. That means you can make this career move happen as well :)

Yes, it is now time for you to bust a move and put your new degree to work and to your career advantage.

You are an RN with a Bachelor's degree with LTC/Subacute rehab experience. Not too bad! Depending on your geographical area, RNs with your background do get hired into acute care, through networking, and perseverance.

You would also would be a great candidate for LTAC/rehab. Have a look at the Job Board here on site to get some ideas. Get your resume in order (read Revamp Your Resume) and best of luck to you.

Again, congrats!

Nurse Beth

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Specializes in Critical care.

Some of the nurse residency programs accept nurses that have less than a year of acute care experience. That could be another way to get your foot in the door in a hospital.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and emergency nursing.

I got a job in a fairly busy emergency department in my area fresh out of RN school with no previous nursing experience. Nursing experience is still experience, regardless of where you got it; your LPN experience would also put you a cut above other RN new grads with no previous experience in my book. I've always said give me an experienced LPN over a green RN any day :)

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Specializes in as above.

do you have the experience? Depends on what department you want to work in. You have the basics, welcome back to being a rookie! Ask the Head Nurse if you can shadow and experienced nurse. You may have the credentials, but you lack the experience aka: you have not earned your stripes. But if this is what you really want, try it.

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I love RN THEY ARE SO SWEET they give me confidence when I loose mine as I am just an LVN.( I know I'm not lol ) IT only takes one person to make you less than adequate. I am currently working at an LTACH and I work with RN BSN. I do same thing and they treat me same. Thank you nice words

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My lpn experience was LTC/rehab n pediatrics n I was hired in hospital in cardiac stroke unit....it's a huge adjustment

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Specializes in as above.

its a huge adjustment...so??? your a degree nurse, with University education! Adjust. Read up on it! Ask questions...etc, etc. Take your experience and work it.

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It IS a huge adjustment from LTC...Noone said it wasn't do able. Being honest.

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