question

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2007

It's tough isn't it. A good friend of mine found herself in the same position here. Sometimes it's just the luck to the draw and being in the right place at the right time. She looked at many hospitals around the area (Tampa Bay which has dozens of hospitals) and found one that took new grads.

She was also considering going LTC of which there are an abundance of new grad jobs and getting experience there first but fortunately found a hospital job. She worked as a tech many years in a hospital and wanted a hospital job.

Good luck.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2007

I know it sounds depressing to read these kinds of statements. However, with my many years of experience, I would suggest that you apply for these jobs anyway. Even though they are asking for experience in an ad, that doesn't mean that when you go in for an interview that they don't have another position that they haven't advertised that you might be perfect for. I would ask as well if they have any other positions that you might qualify for. I've had this happen to me a couple of times when applying for jobs. What you have to understand about the job application process in the nursing profession is that facilities don't always advertise open positions in the newspapers. Sometimes you have to sit down with a phone book and get a list of the facilities and just start doing cold visits to them and ask to fill out applications. Many places hold on to applications for up to 6 months and look through them first before advertising a position--especially if they took a liking to you when they first met you. You also should follow up and call these same places you put applications in to every 3 or 4 weeks to stay on their radar and inquire about any open positions that might have come up. Sometimes the people doing the hiring are aware of a position that is going to become available, but it hasn't been made public knowledge yet. Those are the times you want to get your foot in the door before someone else. The people who do the hiring and make the final decision to hire someone often base their decision upon what their personal impression was of you. Your written application tells them what your qualifications are, but the interview process is for them to learn about your personality and character. While an employer needs a qualified nurse, they also need someone who is going to be a good employee. And, that is the unknown factor that all people responsible for hiring have to try to figure out when they are making decisions about hiring someone. I guess what I am saying here is not to shortchange your personality and character as part of the hiring equation. You have more to offer an employer than just being able to pass pills and answer call lights. Within you, hopefully, is also dedication, loyalty, good attendance, and teamwork to name a few characteristics. A good interviewer tries to find those qualities when talking with you.

Keep looking. Don't be intimidated by the restrictions they are putting on a job. In interviews ask, "how do I get the experience I need? Where do I find a job as a new grad?" Someone might give you a hint as to where you will eventually find your first job. This is all part of learning to network. Hang in there and make job searching your full time work for the time being. It is just as much a skill as anything else you learn in your life and career.

Good luck to you.