trouble finding work

Published

I am an LPN and am about to graduate with my RN,but when I look for RN jobs,they all want a year experience,how can I get any if no one will hire me??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Look into residency programs in your area. You might have better luck there :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Do you live in an area that is simply over-saturated with too many new RNs? If so, you will need to go the extra mile to obtain employment through networking, excellent interview skills, and differentiating yourself from the rest of the herd.

Are you only applying to hospitals? Everyone (and their momma) wants the exalted acute care hospital job. Perhaps consider LTC facilities, hospice, home health, private duty, jail intake, psych, prison infirmaries, and personal care group homes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Critical care, & Education.

Volunteer somewhere you want to work. When people get to know you and like you getting a job becomes easier AND you can at least chalk up some experience in the environment even if not directly performing nursing care.

Add to your resume with some certifications in your area of interest. Take ACLS, PALS etc.?

JOIN the national organization for the area you want to work in. Go to meetings. Make connections. Network, network, network. Often people know about jobs coming open long before they are actually posted. This could be a good way to try to get in the door first!

Congrats of your nearing graduation! Enjoy the journey!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Apply anyway, even when they say experience required. I did and that is how I got my job. Still get calls for interviews from other places that I applied, and all said minimum one year experience required.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GENERAL.

Yes. No experience=too old=binders and binders full of applicants.

Maybe getting a DNP or Ph.D would help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

Be aware if the areas you're checking out are the upper end, highly desired, primo ones of ER, ICU, NICU, L&D, etc, you're facing TOUGH competition from other nurses with EXPERIENCE.

As Commuter said, you may need to look into other specialties. Also expand your geographical periphery, if poss.

GOOD LUCK.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion