New grad and experience

[Cdnbscn]

Long story short.... I applied to a position at a hospital and lost out due to experience. The nurse manager of the unit called me and told me that I had done very well in the interview. My answer were great, the management team thought I was wonderful and they hoped I wouldn't be discouraged and apply again if another position came up. The woman that received the job offer had much more experience. I had no negative feedback and he offered nothing for me to improve upon even when asked (which I find hard to believe since I was nervous as hell).

Now don't get me wrong, I am not upset and I fully understand and respect their decision. The position was to cover a maternity leave and I know it is easier to take on a nurse with experience for a short term contract than to train a new grad. If it's the woman I met and spoke with prior to the interview then she was definitely the right candidate for the position and actually went as far as to give me tips and tricks, and advice while embarking on my career.

The hiring manager went on to say how he felt awful because he hired someone with experience and he knows as a new grad you can't get experience unless you're given a position to gain experience. I assured him that I understood the decision and thanked them for the interview experience and considering me as a candidate. I assured him that he would see my name and resume on the application board as soon as something else opened up.

So my question is.... how do you gain experience? Do I just take whatever job I am offered? Do I take additional courses and certifications? I'm not overly worried as I have other interviews in the upcoming week, I just want to be able to secure a position and begin my career. Any new grad in the job market advice would be appreciated!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

You take whatever job is offered, don't take additional courses and certifications as they cannot make up for lack of experience.

[littlemissbookworm]

I had a similar experience. I wanted to work on the unit I did my final practicum on, but I didn't have seniority. I had to work in the float pool for a little bit (my first job). I got to learn new skills, add to my resume, and I kept applying for a position on that unit whenever it came up. It only took a few months before I got a position on the unit and I was able to use my float job in my rationale on why I would be a good fit for the unit. It sounds like you did well in the interview and that you said all the right things :)