[RNinJune2007]

Hi, I am a second to last semester nursing student, and we are starting to interview for our post-graduate (and obviously post-licensure) positions as RNs.

I am determined to get a position in one of my systems maternity units. We have three, one of which is much closer than me. I have been corresponding with a nurse from my school who now works there, and went there straight out of school as a new grad.

I have already emailed the nurse manager on that unit, and have my first interview schedule with HR in mid-september.

I am a YOUNG student, and to be honest people think that I am much younger than I already am. I want to be taken seriously, and present myself in a professional manor.

As far as attire for this interview, are dress pants and a collared shirt shirt okay, or should it be more dressy?

Should I join any professional organizations (such as AWHONN), volunteer anywhere special?

I have been reviewing all of the resume threads, and have viewed a "new graduate" resume as an example but I am still unsure about what's appropriate and what is not.

• Should I include my courses in Nursing school (for example, Fundamentals, *Medical-Surgical, Maternity, Pediatrics, Psychiatric, and Critical Care)?
• Should I include clubs? (For example my schools chapter of ANS)
• If I join any professional organizations, would they go on the resume?
• Should I include my previous jobs, which were, retail and fast food? Am I right in the assumption that these should NOT be included, because they have no relation to nursing?
• If I have not yet graduated what do I list under my "education" heading?
• Under volunteer work, if I was an intern about 2 years ago @ my church for one year, should I include that?
  

For nurse managers or any nurse who was hired as a new graduate in maternity, what can I do to set myself apart from the other applicants vying for the same position?

Thanks in advance, it is very appreciated!

[Jolie]

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

There are plenty of good maternity units in the Charlotte area (I've worked at some of them), but your best bet as a new grad is to go to the bigger, city hospitals such as CMC, for a number of reasons.

First of all, they simply have more positions to fill and are more likely to look to new grads to fill them. Along that same line, the NICU is the easiest maternal-child unit in which to be hired, again because they need the greatest number of nurses. Large teaching hospitals usually have well-organized orientation programs for new grads which include both clinical and classroom time. I attended a comprehensive neonatal seminar at CMC, and it was excellent!

You need to present yourself very professionally (even more so because of your age and young appearance). Dress in a suit. Bring copies of your resume, reference list, and pre-written references from your maternity and peds instructors. Write down questions in advance regarding orientation, mentoring, evaluations, nurseatient ratios, expectations for continuing education including fetal monitoring, NRP, ACLS, etc. Ask to set up a shadow day. Follow up with thank-you notes.

During the interview, sell your eagerness to learn, and your qualities that will make you a good maternal-child nurse: Your respect for families and desire to serve those in transition. Love of teaching. Conscientiousness and attention to detail. While it is natural for young women to feel "drawn" to maternal child nursing, simply "loving to work with babies" is not sufficient to prepare one for such a job!

Goodl uck!

[MIA-RN1]

I am a YOUNG student, and to be honest people think that I am much younger than I already am. I want to be taken seriously, and present myself in a professional manor.
Try putting your hair in a bun if its long, and avoid all but one pair of earrings and a conservative necklace. No nail polish. Learn how to give a firm and confident handshake, don't have anything in your mouth and look your interviewer in the eye. No nervous giggles

As far as attire for this interview, are dress pants and a collared shirt shirt okay, or should it be more dressy?

I wore a black skirt and a tan blouse, black shoes and black purse to my interview.

Should I join any professional organizations (such as AWHONN), volunteer anywhere special?
If you have time. They are good resume builders but be realistic.

I have been reviewing all of the resume threads, and have viewed a "new graduate" resume as an example but I am still unsure about what's appropriate and what is not.
Should I include my courses in Nursing school (for example, Fundamentals, *Medical-Surgical, Maternity, Pediatrics, Psychiatric, and Critical Care)?
I wouldn't. My resume just stated when I started and when I was graduating. I could explain more in the interview if it came up.
Should I include clubs? (For example my schools chapter of ANS)
Yes! And any offices you hold in those clubs. Put them under extracurricular activities/volunteer work on you resume. Employers want to know that you are a 'joiner'. There are all sorts of committees in the work place.
If I join any professional organizations, would they go on the resume?
Yes
Should I include my previous jobs, which were, retail and fast food? Am I right in the assumption that these should NOT be included, because they have no relation to nursing?
Well, you are sort of right. But your employers also want to know that they are hiring someone who has held a job before. You could maybe create your nursing portfolio, with your schooling and professional organizations and anything you have done that applies to the field of nursing. Then you could have a 'work history' part, which lists your former jobs.
If I have not yet graduated what do I list under my "education" heading?
Where you go to school, when you will graduate, and your GPA.
Under volunteer work, if I was an intern about 2 years ago @ my church for one year, should I include that?
Yes.
I started right into Postpartum and interviewed and got the position during my third of four semesters.