I am about graduting from nursing school; I had no previous work experience, what do you suggest can get me hired. I felt my resume looks too empty, and thought that is why am not getting called up for interview.
I have never worked before, aside my clinical hours, my resume looks too empty. Any tips from an RN, BSN recruiters. Every residency program i applied for has been turned down. Can not stop thinking is because of my lack of work experience. #nursing #registered-nurses #nurse-practitioner #nursing-education
3 answers
Erlease’s Answer
Look for entry-level positions perhaps in critical care, emergrncy medicine, or another specialty where extensive externship is offered for new nurses. Good luck
Kimberly’s Answer
Hey! Great question! I graduated with my BSN may 2015 and trust me- I felt so similar to you! I did have precious work experience- but I still felt that my résumé didn't make me look "qualified" enough to be considered. My first piece of advice is to not feel down if you don't get replies immediately... when I graduated I applied to many hospitals and only after I found my job did I see that 1. I was being considered for a new rn hire in an ER and 2. I actually received a call for a job offer from where my final practicum was. So DO NOT jump the gun and think that nobody is considering you!
My second piece of advice is to make sure your resume is perfect. I would suggest seeing if your college has resume help either in person or on their website. If they don't then I would suggest checking out the alumni section of the university of Maryland school of nursing. I know for a fact that they have a PowerPoint on resume building because that was my school ! :) regardless of the fact that you have zero work experience, your initial nursing resume can include specifically all of your clinical locations and hours, any extra curricular activities you participated in, any volunteer work, and any presentations you have or honors you received.
My last piece of advice is to branch out into areas that you may not initially be super interested in. I really wanted to become an ER nurse- I prepped my whole college career for it- but the length of time it took to be contacted by a hospital was very discouraging and I actually got in touch with a placement agency who put me in a private pediatric office and I love it and am still there!
Don't give up! You got this!
Estelle’s Answer
Good luck!