Share your story: How did you land your first nursing job?

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Feb 5, 2010

We had found a house after graduation that we wanted that was in a different location, so I did an online search of hospitals in that area. I put in as many resume's and applications as I could to what I was qualified for, and landed a couple of interviews at one hospital.

I ended up taking my 9 month pregnant self, psyched myself up and tryed to get my energy level really high. I just walked in that interview with a strong handshake and tryed to make that first impression a good one. I landed both jobs and had my pick, ended up picking med/surg over ICU and glad I did. I learned alot. I should add that was in 2006 and not in the present day situation.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

Had one of my clinicals in the LTC. I loved how the patients were clean, and seemingly happy, the facility was spotless and smelled good not just in the lobby but on every floor, every department and in every room, and the staff didn't look all stressed out and ready to go postal at any minute.

I went to my schools person who helped with finding jobs and asked about the place. I wasn't sure the facility hired GPN's. She knew the DON and called her right then and there. The DON told me to call and schedule an interview and fill out an app. I filled out the app, was interviewed, and was offered a position before I even techinally graduated or took my NCLEX(we had taken our exit exam and our finals which I passed but we hadn't gotten our diplomas). I graduated 3 days later, and took my NCLEX. I walked into the facility after only finding out 12 hrs prior that I had passed my NCLEX.

And here I am almost 2 years later, still working there and getting ready to do another shift tonight :)

DogWmn · Feb 5, 2010

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth in '72, no resume. I just walked into the local hospital with my newly minted license and was hired on the spot! Orientation was about a week long and went to work on a med-surg floor days (hated it but still did a good job and got great reviews) and about 4 months later I was approached to work Ortho 2nd shift (loved it) and said sure. We were the only hospital near a ski resort and many many outdoor activities, hundreds of miles from any "big" hospital so we actually had two real Ortho surgeons and they were great with teaching new nurses and were always having mini inservices right there on the floor. Many times while a patient was still in recovery, they'd come down to the floor and spend 10-15 mins talking to us about the patients injuries, repair work they did and what to expect and what they wanted. I learned so much, there was no back biting nurses, everyone was very supportive of everyone. I will say the day and eve shift supers scared the .... out of me - they were old army nurses and their demeanor was frightening until you got to know them.

I find it sad that LPN's are no longer in hospital settings, they are missing out on an educated patient care provider.

Good luck with finding a job, it's hard in this day and age.

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth in '72

Ha!

My story is pretty boring and straightforward. In January 2007, about 5 months before I graduated from ADN school, I attended every open house offered by any hospital near me. There was one in particular that I liked as far as attitude and personality of the staff that I met at the open house. I applied for a new grad position at that hospital. I didn't hear from them for about a week so I called HR and was informed that they would be setting up interviews soon and that there were only 22 positions available that year for new grads.

I was called to interview in February. I did a group interview with the team leaders from 6 different units: Women's Health (L&D, etc), Med-Surg, PACU, ER, and 2 different ICU's. For two weeks after I heard nothing. I was offered a job at the same hospital where I was currently working as an ER Tech, but I wanted to work at the other place. I just had a gut feeling. So I called HR and asked when they'd be making a decision, as I had another offer and needed to let them know. The HR rep said, "We'll be calling you in two days, but please don't take that other offer yet."

I ended up getting offered CVICU, which I hadn't even applied for! I'd wanted L&D, but the ICU manager liked me so much that she told the others she was taking me whether they liked it or not (she told me this later, after we'd gotten to know each other better). I'm still not sure I'm thrilled about that because my end goal is L&D, but it's been a great experience so far.

Good luck to you and all new grads. I sincerely hope you have good luck finding a place that's a great fit for you, like I did.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

Ha!
I ended up getting offered CVICU, which I hadn't even applied for! I'd wanted L&D, but the ICU manager liked me so much that she told the others she was taking me whether they liked it or not (she told me this later, after we'd gotten to know each other better). I'm still not sure I'm thrilled about that because my end goal is L&D, but it's been a great experience so far.
Good luck to you and all new grads. I sincerely hope you have good luck finding a place that's a great fit for you, like I did.

Bolded-Thats what happened in my interview process...My NM wanted me more....

Also when I interviewed I stated my desires and goals clearly:

1. I wanted to work in a state of the art teaching hospital.

2. I wanted to work with veterans.

3. I wanted a nurse residency program. (I was hired for a 16 week program. It has since been expanded to a full year...)

Having clear simple straightforward goals is key to having a successful interview.

What I find distressing about the current job market is that substantial numbers of 2-3 graduating class years may never get to work in a hospital environment because they will have started in LTC/public health or ?. Effectively they will be specialized. (No knock is meant on LTC I am just speaking to the perceived erosion of skills when a new nurse isn't brought into the hospital on graduation.

tiddles · Feb 5, 2010

Another olden day story..I graduated in New Zealand in 1989, 3 yr diploma in nursing. There were NO jobs there. After working as a postie for the summer, I zipped over to Syney, Australia with some friends, we got licensed there and called one of the bigger hospitals. I was offered a job over the phone and they wanted me to start the next day. They put us up in free digs for several months so that we could get on our feet financially.

Man those were the days..fun in the big city with money to spend after years of being poor.

Anyway..I know it doesn't really apply to today. However, you could look around the country and find out where jobs are plentiful (such as Florida) and if you were prepared to move you may find something..and have fun exploring a new state!

akanini, MSN, RN · Feb 5, 2010

I had to work for an association for 2 years after LPN school because they paid my tuition. After graduation, I had a choice of 65 facilities where I wanted to work. The association sent the place I chose my resume and the rest is history. I'm here almost 1.4 years later and the union will help me pay for my RN degree.

drgnflydggr · Feb 6, 2010

I worked first as a CNA in a local hospital. I worked hard, and had a good attitude so during my senior year of nursing school I worked as a nurse tech in the OR. Now, I'm about to graduate in May, and I was hired in the OR in December for a position that they're holding for me until I graduate. My best advice - get in early, and go the extra mile.