yblehsspot

I would put the volunteer experience in a hospital first on your resume. It lets the reader know right away that you have experience in the field and that you donate your time, which looks freaking amazing.

ABSOLUTELY volunteer experience counts! I have no paid experience in the field, however I do volunteer at a hospital. In filling out resumes I put my volunteer hospital service down as work experience. I've filled out two job applications for upscale assisted living facilities and have gotten called in both times for interviews. The first interview went well, however management sucks balls and I refused to work with them. The 2nd one went amazingly and I begin work next week. I have never gotten a bad reaction from putting volunteer stuff down, if anything employers love that you donate your time and build experience that way.

You just have to apply at other places. If you shop around enough you will find someplace that pays better. And if not, just take the job and use that for experience. I volunteered at a hospital and was able to use that to get in the door at places and gain interviews. I might not have gotten paid for it, but interviewers love it. I actually just got hired in at an upscale assisted living facility at $11.50 an hour, I applied at one other place that offered me $10 an hour. It's all about building skills and experience. But sooner or later, you will find something.

I agree with previous posters. It was a little awkward at first, but you just have to remain mature and eventually you'll get used to it. The first couple days of clinicals were slightly awkward for me, but after that it was a walk in the park. No biggy :)

If all else fails for getting working experience, you can always volunteer at places like hospitals or nursing homes to get contacts and stuff. It makes a world of difference, you won't be getting paid for it but it will still count. Plus it looks good for possible employers!

I don't have much experience with nursing yet and trying to get jobs but I suggest volunteering at either hospital you want to work at. Try to get placed in an area that will give you the best information. If you put in time and effort, the hospital will notice. It will also allow you (depending on the hospital) to fill out internal applications, giving you an advantage. I started volunteering at a hospital a couple years ago for a few hours a week to gain experience in the medical field. Most recently I applied for the first time, for a full time position (in the area I volunteer, so I already know everything I need to) and got called in for a final stage interview and was pretty much handed the position. I have NO experience whatsoever, aside from my volunteer work- I haven't even started my CNA course yet, however I already have a job waiting when I get certified. So I suggest volunteering, it seems small but opens many more doors than anything else. It allows them to see just how serious you are and lets you get real experience with the hospital itself.