New grad, no experience

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Hello nurses! I graduated this month, took the NCLEX a few days ago, and passed. I would soon be looking for job openings and start applying. However, I have zero work experience (not even CNA work) as I started college right after high school and completely focused on my education.

I have done few volunteer works, but I'm not confident that it will be enough. I honestly worry that it will be difficult for me to get accepted due to my lack of work experience. I am not going to let this discourage me though because I have already made it through the toughest part (nursing school), but I would really appreciate any advice or tips!

One of the centers that I applied to called me earlier this morning to follow up my application for some screening questions--which I think I bombed. Ugh. I was stuttering for the most part and when they asked me how I did with venipunctures at school, I was like: "I did well most of the time, there were times when I didn't. We can't hit the vein all the time, but I think more practice will allow me to be more comfortable and accurate with it..." Urgh, why didn't I just say, "I did well."

Oh well.

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If there is a teaching hospital or Level I Trauma Center near you, apply!! Apply for an area that interests you.

Trust me, you do not want to be checking dilation status and rubbing a fundus if L&D disgust you. Happy

searching! Congratulations on your success!

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Hi meanmaryjean,

I'm going to be doing the same thing, but I'm from Sydney, Australia - BSN. What did you mean by the facility websites - is that the hospital itself?

I have done all the necessary courses to allow me to practice here, the only reason why I did it in Australia is because I am a Aussie citizen and a US Resident, and its so expensive to study here.

Kind regards,Marlena

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