Hi, I’m a Brooklyn, NY registered nurse and graduated with my associates in 2013. Going through job postings, I find that the vast majority of postings require experience ranging from a year to several years. (Although I’m going for my bachelors in nursing, I don’t see jobs that require a BSN but not experience.) Of course, I apply to the jobs that I see that don’t require experience, not that they get back to me.
So, outside of moving out of urban NY, how’s a new nurse like me supposed to find a job where I can actually get experience? Even looking for jobs outside the hospital hasn’t produced any results (or interviews) yet.
Thanks!
-A “new Nurse
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
Lisa says
I had the same problem here in NC. People always acted like “oh you’re a nurse you will find a job so easily”. Well, yeah if you are an experienced nurse. I don’t think the ADN or BSN thing matters but experience does. After months of looking and getting some interviews but not the jobs.
I eventually looked for work in VA and TN because they were sort of close for me to drive to (1-2 hours one way). I ended getting a job at a large hospital that is known for hiring new grads (cheaper employment so I guess that why they love hiring new nurses). I made the drive three days a week for about 8 months until I got some experience. After that I immediately applied to a large hospital 15 minutes away from my house and got hired in the OR immediately because I had experience.
My advice to you (I know you say you don’t want to move) but may be you could consider commuting for a while just until you get some experience. I know how you must feel though “How can I get experience if no one will hire me”. I wish you luck!
-Lisa
Monica says
Do you have any job experience as a nursing assistant or any hospital experience at all? If so, I would really stress that in your resume. Also do you know anyone who knows a hiring manager? Sometimes it is about who you know. Right now it is a hard time for new nurses with no experience because of the training involved to get the new nurse up to speed.
The state of the economy is making it where hospital can be more selective with who they hire and plus seasoned nurses aren’t leaving their positions right now.
Have you looked into nursing homes, assist living place, or clinics? They are usually new nurse friendly. Hang in there and don’t give up.
S.L. Page says
Welcome to the site and thanks so much for your question. I have met some nurses who are in the same situation as you. I know you have to be very frustrated because it is like Lisa said above about how can you get experience if no one will hire you. Here is my advice:
-Sometimes contacting the facilities nurse recruiter helps. Many hospitals have nurse recruiters who are excellent in helping you find a job. Their job is to find people jobs. If you don’t know if the places you apply to has nurse recruiters you can contact the human resource department to find out or the facilities website may have the information.
-Where did you do clinicals at? I remember doing clinicals at one of my nursing jobs during nursing school (I wanted the job really bad and it was a competitive department) and when I interviewed with the nurse manager I reminded her about my clinical time and I explained to her although I don’t have “nursing” experience per se….I knew how the department worked and the systems they used. Turns out that was one of the reasons she decided to hire me even though some of the other applicants had experience ….I had experience with their systems so that help. May be you should try to apply to places you’ve done your clinicals.
-Try job shadowing or volunteering just to get your foot in the door and get noticed by the nurse manager. I have heard of people doing this and it worked out well. They formed relationships with some of the people on the unit and they put in a good word for the person and they ended up getting hired.
I hope you find a job and I know it is so frustrating. Please let us know how it goes!
Sarah 🙂
brandy says
I graduated in 2008 with ADN and immediately hired in ER on a graduation intern. after that I left and got a job at another hospital. As nurses if you dont move around you will not make any more $. it sucks cuz you have to job hop but get experience and then you shouldnt have trouble finding work. lots of LTAC facilities and home health will hire you but look at hospitals in your area that are acceptin applications for new grads
Charles says
Well. I did the foot in the door. I worked tirelessly and I could fit every where although I am enrolled nurse. It took some people months to really know my rank . Because I could completely do all task in my facility. Thanks to my ward in-charge for giving that opportunity . It works…