How can I land a job if I don’t have experience as a nurse. I graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have not been able to land a job since I graduated. I realize that I haven’t been persistent in the job hunt, but I would like to know what I need to do to find a job even if I do not have experience.
-Maria
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
Jamie RN says
Maria,
I find that many new nurse graduates are having the same problem as you. It really doesn’t make sense why an employer requires this from a new graduate. How are you suppose to have experience if NO ONE will give you a job to gain experience. Crazy, huh?!
I had many friends who graduated after me who had to move to another state to a hospital that hires new nurse graduates. I don’t know what you live but in TN (in the knoxville to nashville area) the hospitals loves new nurse graduates and you shouldn’t have a problem getting a job there. I’m not sure where your from. So if you are looking to relocate (which may be your only option if no one will hire you where you live) trying finding hospitals that are new grad friendly.
The jobs are out there trust me, so don’t get discouraged. Plus, since you have a BSN you are very desirable to employers. If you don’t want to relocate, I would submit your resume to every doctor’s office, clinic, hospitals around you. Have you tried looking at long term health care facilities (nursing homes) they are usually always needing RNs.
Let us know how it goes!
Jamie RN
Roxy Nurses Rounds says
Well, I think that its understandable why an employer would prefer an experienced nurse over a new nurse graduate, as it cuts training/education cost, and reduces the risk for injury to patients or mistakes made in patient care due to inexperience. But I think employers seriously overlook the fact that experienced nurses have developed bad habits in their personal practices, and may be more likely, than not to cover up mistakes, instead of following institutional protocols.