First, you don't say what kind of job - LPN, CNA, RN, NP? Yet, for any and all of those, be sure you have a functional resume if you have no real work experience. I'm assuming here - dangerous, I know - that you are just starting out in nursing. A functional resume shows the skills you have already acquired that may be transferred to a hospital/health care setting. For example: what positions have you had that gave you experience in dealing with people at their best/worst (any kind of customer relations or even cashier)? Were you responsible for money or accountable for goods/equipment (retail, bank teller)? Have you worked with the elderly (volunteer at senior center or nursing home) or with kids (Scout troop or other kids' group)? What have you done that shows computer skill and reserch(school itself)? Have you done anything that shows you work well under pressure (EMT, volunteered with Fire, Police, or any kind of military experience)? All that can show you are able to be responsible, trustworthy, have good character, and are willing to put out the energy to get things doen, even under stressful conditions. Your grades from school and NCLEX scores will show your ability to learn and apply didactic knowledge. Be open, pleasant, truthful and ... here's the big one...patient. (I know... patience is a virture until you have to have it!) I got out of school more years ago than I will say and had to wait 10 months for my first position. My nursing students of recent years often had to wait 6 months for their first. Schools will often have a resume service for free for thier graduates. That office can help you put together a functional resume if you are having trouble with it. They you can send/upload to any place you wish to apply showing them you have skills already just waiting to be used in their environment.
Persistence. Volunteer. Join a nursing organization to network.
