graduating in a year, need advice!

ADeks · Jun 20, 2010

Get a job at a hospital. Part time or PRN, something you know you might be able to handle while in nursing school. Having hospital experience helps you out big time. It seems like it can be all about "who you know" to get in the door, but you skills and knowledge are what will push you to the top.

eerobb · Jun 24, 2010

Definitely start working at a hospital.. one that hires new grads often. Externships and volunteering do give you an "in" and are very helpful. I had a job waiting for me at a hospital I loved because I externed my last year of nursing school.

If you are really concerned I would advise to choose a floor that you like that is not as competitive as others (ie. not ICU NICU or ED) for new grads. Also somewhere that you can get in on days so you can be seen by the director. In this economy its all about having an in. Even if you do not work often, go for it! Good luck!

gealach · Jun 24, 2010

If you can, get a job as a PCA/CNA at a hospital where you think you would like to eventually work as an RN. Even if you can only work 1 or 2 shifts a week while in school, it may help you find a job. Almost everyone from my class who got jobs quickly did so because they had previously worked at the hospital where they found their RN job.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 24, 2010

Get that PCA/CNA job, both for the experience and the connections. However, remember that it's no longer the guaranteed "in" for a RN job as it used to be (as several people in my class can tell you, as they were not hired on as nurses despite working there as aides). So don't neglect your grades (they matter a lot more in this market than they did in the past) or not look anywhere else for work.

Start job hunting early...you can even start now. Don't be discouraged if many places don't want to talk to you until you graduate or pass the NCLEX, but if you want in for new graduate programs and externships, you want to apply for them as early as possible.

Also start networking during clinicals. Don't focus on networking so much that your clinical performance suffers or you start turning people off by continually angling for a job. But if you're on a unit you like and would want to work on after graduation, be sure to find out the nurse manager's name so you know how to contact her/him later. Also, make a very good impression during clinicals--that speaks louder than anything.

LeighR · Jun 27, 2010

Early job hunting! Ex: I graduated in may and began applying for jobs in February. Make sure your resume is flawless. It helps wonders if your gpa is upwards of a 3.0. If you know where you would like to work do your best to get in that area during clinicals. Bust your ass on the floor during clinical. Take every opportunity presented to you and know the basic things for whichever area you apply ex: one unit I interveiwed on was cardiac so I was sure to brush up

on my acls as this was the focus of the interview and I was offered that position! Another ex: I interviewed for a med floor position so I needed to know the basic CHF, MI, DVT etc, core measure protocols as this was the focus of that interview and that is the job I accepted! Basically employers want bright students that know their stuff, it shows that they will have to spend less time holding your hand. Basically be proactive in your clinical and didactic areas bc they really do

both matter in the end! Right now is proving to be a rough time for new grads finding jobs so do anything and everything to set yourself above the heard! Good luck in your last semester and job hunting!!!

criticalRN10 · Jun 28, 2010

Thanks for all of your advice! I did want to work as a PCA this summer and applied for a bunch of jobs last semester but the problem is they all want certification which I could get if I were to go take the exam and get a letter from my school confirming that I have good standing in the program. Then it takes another 4-6 weeks to get the certificate so that I can work...which I'll be back in school by then. The other major issue that's holding me back from networking my butt off for the rest of school is the fact that I live in the DFW area but I'm going to school in Houston. I wouldn't mind staying in Houston obviously if I had a job there, but I would rather move back home if I could.

tokidoki7, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2010

Start job hunting early...you can even start now. Don't be discouraged if many places don't want to talk to you until you graduate or pass the NCLEX, but if you want in for new graduate programs and externships, you want to apply for them as early as possible.

I graduate next May too. Is it really a good idea to start applying for positions NOW? Even though some places will not want to contact me because I haven't graduated yet, is the purpose to get my name and resume out there early just to make myself familiar to HR depts? I actually thought about submitting resumes for RN jobs already but thought I should wait until December. I have a couple of friends who are graduating in August and are having a hard time finding jobs. I've also spoken to GNs who've graduated a couple months ago and have said most people in their class haven't found jobs. With West Penn hospital (in Pgh) eliminating 1500 jobs, I'm sure it will be tougher now for new grads in my area to find jobs.