Any tips for getting a job after nursing school?

[brooks222]

I'm currently in nursing school in a state that I don't plan to work in after graduation. My school is in a smaller more rural area and I want to go work in a larger city with magnet hospitals/academic hospitals. I always want to stand out but I don't know if that should be solely by my grades and school participation (clubs, tutoring etc.) or if I should go and meet and network with nurses at the facilities I want to be placed in, or a combination of both. I'm leaning more towards both but I would love to know what some of you did for placement after graduating.

[joseyjo]

Have you worked in the field, before or during nursing school?

[CBlover, BSN, RN]

Just apply to every hospital within a 40/50 mile radius of where you plan to live. You'll get an interview.

[brooks222]

I haven't worked in the field but I plan on doing an internship this summer at one of my top pick hospitals.

[direw0lf, BSN]

Going to meet and network could benefit you! My lab teacher told us that a graduated student called her about having a hard time finding a job. My lab teacher handed her resume to HR and she was called the next day for an interview. That happened to me too another lab teacher contacted HR on my behalf and I was called the same day. She said that applications are weeded out electronically based on key words/terms and if you just happened to not pick the right ones your resume isn't seen at all so knowing someone really helps.