New Grad Programs: No Paid RN Experience Requirement?

[RN2b599]

Hi all,

I've been looking into this quite a bit. Most new grad programs have a requirement that you mustn't have any paid RN experience in order to be eligible.

Here are my questions:

1) What is the point of this policy?

2) Every institution is different, but, in general, how strict are these policies enforced?

3) Other than self-disclosure, how would an institution verify that a candidate has had no previous paid RN experience?

I'm looking forward to your insight! Thank you.

[MJ415]

I'd like to know as well.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Yes, many new grad programs do not want ANY RN experience. Sad but true. I had 3.5 months of experience (and told them on app and in both interviews I went through) and then was disqualified for having experience. They said it was a Versant rule. Versant said nope, not their rule, hospitals can do what they like. Just another way to disqualify some of the millions of apps they get. Not sure why they do it, but very frustrating to say the least. Many do not want LTC experience either. And they want you to have graduated no more than 6 months to a hear out. Does not make much sense. Make your connections while you are in school, it is all about who you know.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Most new grad programs are tailored to the hospital that you are working in. Once you start working as a new grad RN, you have "verifiable experience", even though new grads transition during the first two years of nursing as novices to beginner.

Some programs give a leeway, it depends on the program, as well as how you sell yourself.

[sdwannabe1]

My new grad program was ok with less than one year experience. I had 2 paid RN jobs prior to my new grad position. Some of the reasons for not having paid experience are because these hospitals want to mold a new grad from start to finish. They don't want an RN with bad habits or have to re-teach skills or ideas. My particular hospital liked that I had some floor experience because I transitioned to the bedside easier than those who didn't have prior experience. It did in fact give me a huge advantage. It really does depend on the culture of the hospital.

Taylor your resume/letter of recommendation to each individual hospital application. It would be difficult to track previous experience without self disclosure, but not impossible. An employer could run a background check to verify employment. Most hospitals do RN verification and background checks through independent contracted companies who find all sorts of history.

[MJ415]

This is an interesting conversation. Thanks for everyone's insight.

[zzbxdo]

Your work background can be assessed with a social security check. As an employer, it's pretty easy. How strict employers are on this policy varies. If you have work experience, institutions like stanford will cut you, even if you somehow managed to get hired. Ultimately it's up to the hiring managers.