Nursing Tips I have no prior experience in healthcare field

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi,

I will be graduating this year. I have a question regarding getting a job as an RN. I am worried I won't get hired because I have no past healthcare experience. Many of my classmates already have job offers as almost 80% of my class currently work as CNAs. About 10% are LPNs. Only a classmate and I have not worked in the healthcare field. I am worried, I won't get hired because of this. Let me be clear I was certified as a CNA as my nursing program required us to, but I never worked as a CNA. Can you please give me any tips on how to handle this situation.

thank you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
24 minutes ago, SamanthaS1209 said:

Hi,

I will be graduating this year. I have a question regarding getting a job as an RN. I am worried I won't get hired because I have no past healthcare experience. Many of my classmates already have job offers as almost 80% of my class currently work as CNAs. About 10% are LPNs. Only a classmate and I have not worked in the healthcare field. I am worried, I won't get hired because of this. Let me be clear I was certified as a CNA as my nursing program required us to, but I never worked as a CNA. Can you please give me any tips on how to handle this situation.

thank you

You apply for jobs and you see who calls back. There's really no need to over complicate things. A stable work history would probably work in your favor. You'll also want to refrain from being a total jerk to the health care staff you meet while in school.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you are in the US, apply all over the place. You may or may not land a job where you live, but there are plenty of states out there willing to hire new grads and/or have residency programs for new grads if you're willing to move.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I had no prior healthcare experience either and got my first job within a few months of graduating nursing school. One thing I did have going is most of my previous jobs I was at for some time (8 years, 5 years). Relax. You'll get a job. May not necessarily be your "dream" job, but you'll get one. I recommend reading up on how to answer common interviewing questions appropriately, reheorifice with a friend if you have to.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Former NP now Internal medicine PGY-3.

You apply the same way everyone else does and if they care you won’t get a call back and if they don’t care you’ll get an interview.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

it can be intimidating when everyone seems to have experience! dont stress out too much, nurses are always in need especially now. even if you dont get into the hospital of your dreams, you can start by working in a smaller facility to gain experience and move up from there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

good news, nursing is one of the few jobs you can get without having 3-5 years experience like the accounting majors are about to sadly find out. It may be a good idea to start out on a night shift so that it will be a slower pace and you can learn about the computer and stuff better. Nursing homes are good places to work and they are always hiring.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment