New grad advice please

Published

Specializes in Can not wait to find!.

I put so much time and effort into paying for/passing nursing school and then the NCLEX (found out today that I passed and am officially licensed) but since this is my second career I do not have any experience outside of my program's clinicals. I was in a leadership position for four years as a store manager and I feel like that experience has made me FAR better at managing and handling different personalities/etc...BUT I doubt any med-Surg type positions would care about that? I guess my question is what to put on my resume since I sadly do not have any healthcare-related and kind of anxious about finding work as an RN. Or what would you recommend I apply to if I loved everything med-surg related and want to get my feet wet? I got to do an observation day in a cath lab and that was SOO COOL but I realize that takes many years of experience. I am sorry if dumb question and appreciate any advice. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats on finishing and passing your NCLEX! I also made a career change with 15 years experience NOT in the medical field. Think about it, most new grads don't have experience either. At least you have experience dealing with difficult people so use examples how that has helped you in nursing clinicals. I got my license in April and start my first job next week! I used my experience in quality assurance as a plus and maybe that helped?  Your experience matters and is no less than most new grads anyway ? Good luck!

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, OB/Pediatrics, Education.

Absolutely use your experience, they will want to see you have leadership skills, communication skills, customer service experience, etc. Apply for any area you would like to be in, sell yourself. Let them know you are eager to learn, that you know you don't have RN experience (not necessarily a weakness, you are shapeable) but you have drive. It's all about how you can sell your past experience to market yourself in this new role. Good luck!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I worked in public relations and used my skills and accomplishments from that, including team leadership, project management, communication, etc. I also made sure to list the hospital and unit for each of my clinicals. Just remember, as a graduate nurse they know you'll be starting pretty much from scratch.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Can not wait to find!.

Thank you three SOO MUCH! This means a lot to me that you would take time to drop some advice and it is so nice to be able to get support on something like this for me. Because I am sending out my first applications and feel so naive with the application process...but I do truly believe I can be an excellent RN I just feel like I need a chance! 

 

On 6/7/2021 at 7:50 PM, TKL said:

Absolutely use your experience, they will want to see you have leadership skills, communication skills, customer service experience, etc. Apply for any area you would like to be in, sell yourself. Let them know you are eager to learn, that you know you don't have RN experience (not necessarily a weakness, you are shapeable) but you have drive. It's all about how you can sell your past experience to market yourself in this new role. Good luck!

That is an excellent point and thank you! I am currently just finishing up my first application and the final thing they ask for is a cover letter...I feel like I can express this feeling of being moldable through that?  

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Can not wait to find!.
On 6/13/2021 at 6:38 AM, SpokesAndCoffee said:

I worked in public relations and used my skills and accomplishments from that, including team leadership, project management, communication, etc. I also made sure to list the hospital and unit for each of my clinicals. Just remember, as a graduate nurse they know you'll be starting pretty much from scratch.

This brings me some peace as I start the process officially, I just now need to craft a "cover letter" and this is not something I have ever heard of before...my understanding is it to be a short letter to the hiring agent about why you feel you would be a good fit? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Can not wait to find!.
On 6/4/2021 at 8:51 PM, Vicki17 said:
Quote

oh my gosh congragulations! 

 I got my license in April and start my first job next week!

 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would advise you look up examples of cover letters and maybe check Youtube, etc as well. But essentially yes, it can be a place to expand on your skills (like customer service, leadership, etc.) that can't really be shown in your resume. It also tells them what position you are interested in, etc. And if room why you are interested in nursing, their unit, etc. It should be in the form of a business letter, etc. If possible, get the actual name of the hiring manager (though this seems hard), otherwise do a more broad address like Dear Hiring Manager or to whom it may concern (though this seems really impersonal to me, LOL). It should only be about 3-4 paragraphs and not more than a page. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion