What do hospitals mean by or consider as "experience"?

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Okay. I'm not sure if this is in the right place to ask and I'm not sure if this was asked here before in this forum. If it was asked, I can't find it. But anyways, I'm a recent new grad RN, just got my RN license, and am currently looking searching for jobs.

So on job applications, I find that many ask to list "nursing experience" or "nursing specialty experience" (Med-Surg, ICU, NICU, Peds, etc) I've had in a select as apply format question. I've been either told that clinical experience doesn't really count and that when they ask for experience that they mean "paid experience"; or I've been told to go ahead and list the nursing specialties where I did my clinical rotations at.

Would someone clarify what these hospitals mean by "nursing experience"? Do they mean paid experience? Or is it okay to list the areas where I had my clinical rotations at? I'm just a bit confused.

Thanks!

an1991

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I would not consider clinicals experience.

If there is a free text section I'd write it in there.

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That's what I was thinking too, but wasn't sure because some tell me I should put my clinical experience down, and some say don't put it down. Thank you for your response though. I really appreciate it :)

an1991

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Psychiatric Crisis.

Clinical experience is not the experience that hospitals are referring to. They mean actual paid or unpaid internships, externships or paid RN jobs.

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Lol, I know they mean paid nursing experience because some applications specify so, but maybe I should ignore that I know that if the job application doesn't specify that...maybe I will get a call back :)

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Specializes in Pedi.

Clinical experience is precisely that, clinical experience. It is not nursing experience and should not be represented as such on a job application.

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hope everyone knows I was just joking out of frustration

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

For job applications, "experience" is limited to paid positions. PP is correct, you can highlight volunteer or non-paid experience in a cover letter & "comments" section on an application. Don't bother mentioning your standard clinical rotations in school since everyone pretty much knows what is required for accredited programs. However, do include information about any "elective" or non-required specialty rotations.

Good luck to you!

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Thanks for the advice, everyone! Yeah, I was getting mixed up for a while. But I really appreciate it. :)

an1991

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hope everyone knows I was just joking out of frustration

I know how you feel. It's frustrating. But, although it's rough, we got to stay positive and keep trying. I think what would probably help is to volunteer in a hospital/clinic. That's what people keep telling me. It's unpaid, but it's still experience, and we get to build more professional connections and references :)

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As a new nurse in this job market, you are in a catch 22. Employers want experienced nurses, nurses who have actual paid work experience. But as a new nurses, how do you get clinical experience if they will not hire you without it. I suggest in your cover letter you discuss what makes you stand out. What are your values? what can an employer expect from you and why they should hire you? As nurses, we are not used to "blowing our own horn" but we have to show what sets us apart so we can get the interview and the job. Good luck - for Lorrie Brown

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Thank you, autonome for your input! :)

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