How to Get Nursing Experience for 2025

How to Get Nursing Experience

For those pursuing a career in nursing, acquiring hands-on experience before officially joining the profession is crucial. However, gaining such experience while still in school can be challenging. Whether you’re a high school or nursing student, there are several practical ways to gain nursing experience that will set you up for success in the field.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at nearby hospitals or clinics can provide valuable experience in the nursing profession. Most facilities have specific volunteer criteria, such as a minimum age of 16 and disclosure of any criminal history. Volunteering allows you to familiarize yourself with various hospital departments and can give you an inside look at nursing practices. Volunteers often assist with staff, patient support, and administrative duties, offering hands-on training and documented experience. This is also a great opportunity for networking and building relationships that could lead to future employment.

Explore Related Job Roles

Pursuing a nursing degree is a significant commitment, both financially and academically. Many prospective nurses take jobs that allow them to work alongside registered nurses, confirming their career choice and gaining practical experience. Here are some roles that offer entry points into the nursing field:

Begin as a CNA

Starting out as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a common path for many nurses. This role provides a solid introduction to nursing practice and helps you get a foothold in the medical field, as many hospitals prefer to promote from within for entry-level roles. CNA training programs are relatively short, lasting between 6-12 weeks, making it an efficient way to start your healthcare career. Working as a CNA gives you a first-hand look at patient care, which will benefit you as you continue your education.

Consider LPN/LVN Paths

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) involves around 1 to 1.5 years of education, compared to the 3 to 4 years required to become a Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs and LVNs report to RNs but share many responsibilities. While RNs can perform more advanced medical tasks, such as medication administration and overseeing CNAs and LPNs, LPNs and LVNs are integral to the healthcare team. Working as an LPN or LVN can be a stepping stone to an RN role, and some programs even offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs to further your career.

Shadowing and Internships

While volunteering and working as a CNA or LPN can provide hands-on experience, shadowing a registered nurse or other healthcare professionals can be incredibly insightful. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer internships or job shadowing opportunities for nursing students. These experiences allow you to observe nurses in action, ask questions, and learn how various departments function. Shadowing also provides insight into the daily challenges of nursing, helping you determine which areas of the field interest you most.

Tailor Your Resume

If you have previous work experience, you likely possess transferable skills relevant to nursing. For example, customer service, time management, communication, and problem-solving are all skills that can be utilized in healthcare settings. In large cities, job competition can be fierce, making it difficult to secure a position without hands-on experience. New nurses are often advised to work in high-demand areas during their early careers, such as emergency departments or critical care units. These areas often offer quicker hiring processes and help you gain essential skills to later compete for roles in more competitive or specialized fields.

Additional Tips for Gaining Nursing Experience:

• Attend Nursing Conferences and Workshops: These events provide opportunities to learn from industry leaders and expand your professional network.
• Look for Part-Time or Per Diem Work: Part-time or per diem positions can offer flexibility while allowing you to gain valuable clinical experience.
• Join Nursing Associations: Becoming a member of professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) can provide access to resources, job boards, and networking events.
• Get Involved in Health-Related Initiatives: Participate in health fairs, wellness events, or community outreach programs that allow you to work with patients and the community in a healthcare capacity.

Gaining nursing experience, even before starting your nursing education, is essential for building a strong foundation for your career. Whether through volunteering, internships, or entry-level healthcare roles like CNA or LPN, these experiences can help you grow your skills, build your resume, and make valuable professional connections. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and compassionate nurse.

Multiple opportunities for professional advancement are available, including the pursuit of graduate-level education for roles as educators or advanced practice providers. For more on job opportunities in healthcare, visit GoodWork.