New Grad Interviewing for Fast Food

[Neurotic Student]

This will be my first interview ever! In my entire life!

I'm sure they will question me about being BSN and have thoughts of me jumping at a nursing job if I have the chance. I was licensed in August. Truth is, I don't feel marketable without ever having a job. I am definitely willing to relocate, but I want some job experience before I undergo that.

After much reading here in AN, I feel more dejected and desolate albeit others have job-searched for 1 or even 2 years. Many times I feel I am not cut out to be a nurse or should not be one because I don't have that "calling" or major passion. The more time I spend away from the healthcare environment, the more my fondness for nursing fades.

These fast food/entry level jobs are getting pretty competitive. I am very serious about this interview. I am VERY HAPPY to be granted this interview. I did a lot of research. They may have a few interviews and maybe in groups. What can I say about how long I expect to work there in this interview? I really want this job and I fear my BSN is going to hinder it. I believe they don't want anyone short-term (via research).

[sunmaidliz]

Wait, you are a BSN and are applying to work in fast food?

Well, when times got tough, I applied for waitressing jobs...

Things turned around though. Don't give up hope about nursing. I felt similar when I graduated. I was burned out and I hated nursing school. I didn't even know if I liked nursing at all. Buuuuuut I got a job in med/surg, the class I hated the most in nursing school, and realized how much I loved nursing. I loved doing what I had learned in school to do. But when I lost that job after orientation, I felt that same feeling that I hate nursing. Got another job at an LTC. Didn't even feel like a nurse. Felt like a Pill Fairy. Left that job after three months.

In nursing, it's all about finding your niche. I understand needing to pay the bills (though I don't see how working at Taco Bell will pay any bills) but Honey... you are an educated professional. You went to school to get a degree and you got it. That is a job in and of itself. You don't have to had work at McDonald's to be a good employee. Who ever told you that never having a job would hinder you getting a nursing job?

Work in fast food if you need to pay the bills. But keep your eye on the prize. I went into nursing mostly because lots of family and friends are nurses so I did what everyone else does. But something about doing what you learned and trained to do is very fulfilling and satisfying. Don't give up on nursing before even starting. You are doing yourself a disservice.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You did not get a BSN to work in fast food. You know that, I know that and your potential employer knows that. You are right that this will likely hinder you from being hired- every employer wants employees that are going to stick around which is why, to be blunt, fast food chains hire people with little education/skill because they worry less about them jumping ship as soon as something better comes along.

As far as being marketable goes... working in fast food as a licensed nurse is going to make you LESS marketable for Nursing Jobs, not more so. Potential employers will wonder what is wrong with this new nurse who didn't apply for nursing jobs and instead chose to work in fast food? The farther out from school you are, the more difficult it is to obtain a new grad position.

[Neurotic Student]

Okay, there are good points here. I am still applying to Nursing Jobs, but not with vigor. If it helps, I am also going to volunteer in healthcare. I felt really hopeless, useless, and nonproductive applying online. Every application was lengthy too, and I still felt unconfident about what I was sending out. People here say they are sending out 15-20 apps daily, I can't even comprehend how that is possible. You gotta search, then tailor the cover letter. I will go to the interview, if I don't get it I will stick with volunteering and applying. I hope the volunteering will bring my spirit back.

[Neurotic Student]

I am resorting to this because I do not have any work experience, did not have any regular volunteering stint ever, and was not involved in any clubs. Aside from my lack of real RN clinical experience, I cannot spit the book knowledge very well. People can smell my hesitance and nervousness/anxiety from a mile away. If you don't have experience, you're going to have to be able to sell yourself even more and be somewhat book-smart. I'm a nervous wreck (I look blunted rather than panicky), and I don't have that "calling." I'm doing this for self-development. I don't know if this is right or wrong, but I feel I need to be doing something to get out of my head.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I am resorting to this because I do not have any work experience, did not have any regular volunteering stint ever, and was not involved in any clubs. Aside from my lack of real RN clinical experience, I cannot spit the book knowledge very well. People can smell my hesitance and nervousness/anxiety from a mile away. If you don't have experience, you're going to have to be able to sell yourself even more and be somewhat book-smart. I'm a nervous wreck (I look blunted rather than panicky), and I don't have that "calling." I'm doing this for self-development. I don't know if this is right or wrong, but I feel I need to be doing something to get out of my head.

I don't really see how working in fast food is going to help you with any of that.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

I don't really see how working in fast food is going to help you with any of that.

Well, the interview experience can't hurt esp. if the OP has never interviewed for a job before.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I am resorting to this because I do not have any work experience, did not have any regular volunteering stint ever, and was not involved in any clubs. Aside from my lack of real RN clinical experience, I cannot spit the book knowledge very well. People can smell my hesitance and nervousness/anxiety from a mile away. If you don't have experience, you're going to have to be able to sell yourself even more and be somewhat book-smart. I'm a nervous wreck (I look blunted rather than panicky), and I don't have that "calling." I'm doing this for self-development. I don't know if this is right or wrong, but I feel I need to be doing something to get out of my head.

I think you are selling yourself short. Don't believe everything you read. I think you are making a mistake as it won't get any easier the longer you are out of school.....hospitals/facilities won't understand why you went to work at a fast food restaurant after graduation. I think you should continue your Job Search in you chosen profession.

Put yourself out there......((HUGS))

[swansonplace]

Apply for anything at some hospitals in your area. This will leave the door open for you to transfer into nursing, and get your feet wet at the same time.

[Neurotic Student]

I would tell them that I needed the money! Anyways, I don't know if I got it because there's supposed to be more than one interview. I kept thinking and thinking and I am definitely selling myself short. I will be volunteering in a healthcare environment. That is a step! I am going to have to upkeep my nursing knowledge through articles and textbook. I did a free CE course online and I really enjoyed that. I am trying to stay hopeful. Thank you all. I think I am so desperate I just get excited if any employer is interested in me.

[swansonplace]

Think about a graduate nurse position, internship, or externship or a continuing ed clinicals. Maybe med surg certification.

[RN 033]

See if you have a local One Stop Unemployment office or similar department that can help you gain confidence in your interview skills. They provide opportunities to learn skills and practice mock interviews along with resume help. Good luck!