A few tips for those getting ready to graduate

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

I wish someone would have told me this so I didn't have to learn it on my own.

Anyhow, if I could give tips to anyone in nursing school right now, here they are.

1. Study hard and keep your GPA up as much as you can. It DOES matter in new grad positions (at least where I live)

2. Start making connections at hospitals EARLY!

3. If a hosptial you know you want to work at is offering up scholarships with a work comitment.......TAKE THEM!!

4. Persue tech employment or secretary employment at said hospital. Extern or intern if that is an option

5. Start collecting good references EARLY!!!. This one requires repeating. START COLLECTING GOOD REFERENCES EARLY!

6. Keep in contact with said references and give them a heads up when you start applying for jobs and let them know who may be calling.

7. When you get that coveted job interview, STUDY! yep I said it! Study for your interview and go in prepared with questions. I made a list of about 10 questions on my job interview and it really helps let the manager know that you are willing to research and put the work in necessary to do the job well.

8. Dress professionally and conservatively.

9. Smile and shake hands with your interviewer BEFORE you sit down to start the interview.

10. Practice saying "I would be a great asset to your unit" in a non-cocky way before your interview and make sure you get to use that phrase at the appropriate time during your interview.

11. Smile and be excited!!!! You're about to be an RN (REAL NURSE!!!!!!!:nurse:)

Good luck to all of you still in school! I hope these tips help you out!

If anyone wants to add on to the tips listed, please do!!!

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

Oh yeah! A few more!

12. If you don't know the answer to something please admit it and tell the interviewer what you would do to find the answer.

13. I would never say anything is particularly difficult or hard. Those words have negative connotation to them and if you agree that something is hard, it may be seen as a weakness. Instead this is what I tell interviewers. "I don't find any one thing particularly hard. I see it more as a challenge for me to learn and grow as a new nurse and I welcome the challenges."

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I have three semesters to go but appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

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