Please Help! I need advice on how to get a job as a new grad

Mama of 2 · Jun 11, 2011

if someone asks you in a future interview how would you handle constructive criticism, don’t say you don’t mind when people are telling you that you are doing something wrong. this answer has a negative undertone and suggests that you anticipate that you will be doing things wrong. instead keep answers positive by saying something to the effect that you value any feedback provided to you by your fellow workers and managers. state that you are a team player and you will do what is necessary to support the unit in providing quality patient care and any feedback that helps you to achieve goals of the unit/facility is welcome. do you see the difference of how the two answers could be received?

as for claiming more experience than what you have, i would say don't ever lie but do talk up your experiences. most of us new grads are all in the same boat. i also graduated in dec 2010 and this job market is brutal. however, i would never consider claiming that my experience level is more than it is. having said that, i would also emphasize what my strengths are and not act like i need someone to hold my hand every step of the way (not at all saying that is what you are doing, just saying how i would present myself).

if you are self-motivated, responsible, able to learn quickly, willing to be a team player, willing to dive right in and get to work, have past experiences to draw from, and are not afraid to ask questions or ask for help when needed, then emphasize all of that in your interviews. but whatever you do, do not go down the road of making it sound like you have a skill set and experiences in areas that you really don't. you could set yourself up for trouble when it comes time to dive into your new job. you may not be able to meet their expectations and i'm sure you don't what that kind of a negative experience for your first rn job!

good luck to you!!! :)

Little Miss Coffee · Jun 11, 2011

What she told you sounds kind of irresponsible, if she really put it exactly as you posted. Dishonesty is generally awful and, especially in this scenario, will come back to bite you in the butt! You can be fired immediately if someone finds out you're lying, to say nothing of the fact that you probably can't fake experience enough to get hired anyway.

I would play down your lack of experience as an employee by simply not going on and on about it. They'll look at your resume, and may even ask you directly; in this case you can't lie about it, and they WILL find out that you're new. But don't offer too much unsolicited information about how you've never been employed as a nurse.

Emphasize instead the experience you DO have. And as a student, you may not have been employed but you sure as heck have learned a lot. Talk about time spent in clinicals - what you did and what you learned. Remember to be positive.

What we're saying is that it's perfectly possible to emphasize your credentials, downplay your lack of experience, and still present all information about yourself to your prospective employer with total honesty.

And I agree about the constructive criticism thing. Say that you value being a member of a team, and you are happy to think about what your coworkers, supervisors, and mentors have to say, even if it's something that's harder to hear.

Hope it all works out :)

Lucky724 · Jun 11, 2011

Focus on what experience you do have - even if it's only nursing school - do NOT lie about your experience..that doesn't set a good tone for your career. Hospitals all over are not only hiring less but they are more selective about who they hire...though long term care or another type of nursing may not be what you want (doc office etc) it may be the path you need to start down in order to get working and gain some experience. ANY experience is better than none. I don't know what state you live in but if you are able to consider relocation Florida and Texas really need nurses - also, Atlanta does as well. Good luck - don't give up -it's a tough job market even for those of us who have been at it awhile

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Jun 11, 2011

Play up your clinical experinces on your resume. I listed all my clinical hours and in what departments, my first RN job was flu shot clinics which lead to a pediatric home health position which lead to a SNF. Now after being at a SNF for 6 months I have an intervew lined up for my dream job in the ER and another interview for a LTAC.

While you want to keep applying to hospitals don't forget about LTC/SNFs that will at least give you a place to start

mazy · Jun 11, 2011

It sounds like in her own bizarre, bungling way she was attempting to give you some constructive criticism. :eek:

I think you did a good job here of showing how you would handle that: weigh your options, consider the source, consider the information, get more input, and make a decision about how to proceed on your own terms with the information she gave you.

So there you go!

Yes, play up the experiences that you have, figure out how you can frame all the things you've done and can do in a way that relates to your goals as a nurse. And as other posters have pointed out, try to stay away of using negatives in your answers -- it's not that you would be doing something wrong, it's that you are looking for more effective ways of doing them and welcome input.

Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2011

In addition to the previous good advice, try to create experience by volunteering. Even if you aren't paid to be an RN, see if you can help out with community clinics or day camps. The more active you are, the more impressive your resume is. I have volunteer experience in leading hikes with kids that I KNOW has helped me get the job I start next weekend. It's not nursing, but it is assessing situations, safety, leadership and organizational skills.

learning&yearning · Jun 12, 2011

During my first interview, the NM was aware that I was a new grad. She acknowledged my grocery experience and said that she knew many of my answers would come from that experience. I was very relieved! I had quick answers for all of the questions she asked. She was fine with the answers being about my grocery experience because hospitals are focusing more on patient satisfaction (aka customer service) and that's what the grocery store focuses on also. And, surprisingly, much of what I learned about management in nursing school is the same as what they want at the grocery. I ended up getting offered that job but before I got the offer, I interviewed at another facility where the NM flat out told me that the skills could be taught but they're looking for someone who is able to provide service and satisfaction. I still can't get over the fact that these NMs were SO interested in my customer service background. [Did I get off subject?] :idea: OH- the point is... talk about the experience you DO have and impress them with that. Please don't lie!