How Do I Get Nursing Work Experience?

You may get nursing work experience by applying for internships while you are training to become a nurse. Other options for nursing career experience include working as a volunteer or working for a nursing registry. Consider also applying for employment opportunities that aren't direct nursing jobs, but that allow you to use your nursing skills. Many new nurses obtain nursing work experience by letting potential employers know that they are willing to work difficult and on-call shifts.

While training to become a nurse, you may be able to gain job experience by completing an internship. Many training programs offer these types of opportunities and will work with students to find internship positions. This type of on-the-job training not only enhances your knowledge about nursing, but allows you to gain valuable nursing work experience that can be added to your resume after you graduate.

If you have already graduated from a nursing program or have obtained a degree in nursing and are looking for nursing work experience, consider volunteering. Several nonprofit organizations offer free and low-cost health services to the public and many even sponsor community health events. You may be able to gain nursing work experience by offering your services for free. Some organizations even travel to remote or impoverished regions to offer healthcare services and many will offer a small stipend, as well as boarding accommodations, to healthcare professionals who volunteer their services. Not only is this a way to gain nursing work experience, but this route may also offer you an opportunity to see the world and help others in the process.

In a competitive employment market, some have gained nursing work experience by working for nursing registries, which offer short-term employment positions. Others have also chosen to apply for other healthcare positions, such as nursing assistant jobs. As a nurse, you are qualified for these positions and can use your skills to gain healthcare experience.

Some employers may not credit working as a nursing assistant alone to be adequate nursing work experience, but some may consider it along with your training to be sufficient experience. In addition to this possibility, working in such positions is a good way to get your proverbial foot in the door in order to network with others at the hospital or clinic where you will be working. You will then be able to show your work ethic and your knowledge about nursing. When another nursing position becomes available, being a current qualified employee may give you an edge over other applicants.