"1-2 yrs acute nrs experience preferred.." what does this mean?

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Feb 23, 2011

To me preferred mean not required and I keep applying and find ways to make my resume more appealing.

Heck even when it says required I apply, it is those darn pre-quailifying questions screen you out

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2011

It pretty much means acute care experience is preferred, but they might accept other experience. I'm getting the same problem with "BSN preferred"

TheMrsRN · Feb 23, 2011

It means they prefer that you have worked at least 1-2 years in a hospital as a nurse.

ACute RN · Feb 23, 2011

acute care refers to hospital/inpatient nursing... this can be med/surg, telemetry, ICU, etc... if you have assisted living experience, I would consider this long-term care...

even if a positon "prefers" certain qualifications, do yourself a favor and assume the position is competitive... this means create the best cover letter/resume that you can and display your talents...

Sarah010101 · Feb 23, 2011

what is the worst they are going to say... no?... apply anyways!!! :)

steelydanfan · Feb 23, 2011

looking at hospital jobs and all the jobs i want say "1-2 yrs acute nrs experience preferred..." if i work at an assisted living facility as a RN, does my experience there count towards the job requirements?
im a new grad. with no expereince and i cant seem to get my foot thru the door w/ the hospitals.

If you don't inderstand the reference to "Acute nursing experience " as it applies to your current position, then do not apply.

Goldenhare · Feb 23, 2011

If you don't inderstand the reference to "Acute nursing experience " as it applies to your current position, then do not apply"

The poster is a new grad in a difficult position. She doesn't want to be a time waster to potential employees. The poster is looking for advice, not criticism.

If you can't be helpful, don't post.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2011

You need 1-2 years in a hospital setting such as med/surg, ICU, CCU, cardiac/renal, etc. If you haven't got that I doubt they will consider you. The employer obviously wants people who can hit the ground running. Could you handle the speed of a busy, high-turnover unit? Ask yourself do you want to put your license at risk if you can't handle it?

Apply anyway and see what happens - ALWAYS say you are willing to be trained, are a quick learner, etc. Make yourself appealing to the employer.

If you don't feel comfortable doing that, call them and have a chat to the NUM/NM re your experience. If they are desperate, they may tell you to apply and train you up as you go along. Some employers like to do this, cos then they train you THEIR way, but do contact them first I reckon.

solneeshka, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2011

Rather than posting to positions that it sounds like you don't meet the qualifications for, why don't you try calling HR directly, telling them that you're a new grad with assisted living experience interested in getting into the acute care (that is, hospital) environment after graduation, and you'd like to know what opportunities they might have. If you can just get a positive, high energy conversation going on with an HR person on the telephone, then you will have a much better chance at whatever job you apply for there. She might be able to say, "Well, I know this manager was looking for someone with hospital experience, but this gal is sharp and she's not entirely new to the health care field, I think it might be a good fit." If you apply for a job under those circumstances, and the HR person knows that it's you (because you've already built up this rapport) applying for a position, then you are much more likely to get an interview. Blindly applying for a position is the least effective way to get a job, even if you perfectly meet all of their qualifications. It's all about who you know, and even if you don't know someone at the hospital, you can make it happen by contacting HR and showing yourself to be a catch from that first phone call.

Good luck!