Offered my first nursing job before graduation

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I just wanted to share my story to give others some hope. It is possible to get a job straight out of nursing school..with no previous experience! I live in Texas. I applied for a position at a hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in March. The position I applied for was a year-long CCU internship program with permanent employment upon completion. I was called for an interview 2 weeks after I applied. I was offered the position approximately 10 days after I interviewed (in April). I gladly accepted it! I graduated last week from my BSN program. I start my new position in mid July. I will work as a GN until I pass my NCLEX, if I haven't taken it by then (waiting on my Authorization to Test). Of course, I must pass the NCLEX on the first attempt or I will lose the internship. Also, I have to sign a two-year contract to remain at the hospital after completion of the internship. But I will gladly sign the contract! I got my dream job. : )

Some tips: practice, practice, practice questions and answers to behavioral-type interview questions. I really believe my interview skills got me this position. I searched this site for samples of interview questions and practiced what I would say. Over and over. Dress professionally. The person who interviewed before me wore... Get this...Flip-flops. Seriously? Don't do that! I wore dark gray short heels, black dress slacks, a button-up blouse, and a light cardigan. They commented on how put together I was. Make your resume stand out. If you did something that no one else did, put it! If you worked during school, held a leadership position in a school nursing organization, had an excellent nursing GPA, or volunteered... Put those things. I did and I believe it made my resume stand out. Make sure your resume is short (less than one page) but to the point. They don't have time to read a novel about you. They need to be able to see in less than 60 seconds why you are a great candidate. Get recommendation letters from several of your professors. I got three professors to write me amazing letters. Even if they don't require it, it couldn't hurt if the letters are good! Network. If you know someone who works where you want to, reach out to them (friend, preceptor, etc). Let them know you are very interested and see what they can do. Best of luck everyone!! Happy job hunting!! : )

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

Did you sign papers? I was told I had a job after graduation. When I went to talk to my supervisor, she said there was nothing at the hospital for me. Make sure you have an actual acceptance letter from HR!

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Specializes in ER.

That is very true! A nurse extern where I worked was told they had nothing for her and once she passed her boards, she was out of a job. She was lucky to get a job at a competing hospital though.

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Thanks for the warnings. I do not have a physical acceptance letter, but if I log onto the hospital's hiring system, it states that I have been "awarded the position". I have an exact date and time set up to meet with HR to sign my contract (scheduled for next week). They also have also emailed me my upcoming orientation schedule. So hopefully all these things mean the job truly is mine! Fingers crossed for now!

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.
Thanks for the warnings. I do not have a physical acceptance letter, but if I log onto the hospital's hiring system, it states that I have been "awarded the position". I have an exact date and time set up to meet with HR to sign my contract (scheduled for next week). They also have also emailed me my upcoming orientation schedule. So hopefully all these things mean the job truly is mine! Fingers crossed for now!
Well congrats!:yes: It does sound like you have the job!
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