Advice for getting accepted into a Pediatric new grad program

[picklerick]

Hello!

I am really just looking for advice, feedback, opinions, or anything you would be willing to offer. I am currently in a second degree nursing program with a dream of working in Pediatrics. I live in San Diego and am completing my degree here and there are only a couple options for Pediatric New grad programs. Those options are Rady's and CHOC (I would be willing to make the commute every day to OC, I want this more than anything.) Sometimes there are some opening at Sharp and UCSD for NICU positions too.

I am still early in my schooling, but I like to be prepared! Could anyone offer advice on how to build my resume for these new grad programs? I am hoping to get an externship once that time in my schooling comes, but I want to be as strong of a candidate as possible. Do hiring panels place a lot of value on volunteer work in pediatric settings? It looks like it would be difficult to find any paid work in pediatrics right now, but I am willing to be a penny-pincher if volunteering is all I can do! Unfortunately I do not have a great network here in San Diego, but I would love to hear ANY advice anyone has!! These programs are so competitive and I want to give myself every opportunity to strengthen my chances.

Thank you so much!

[windywind]

A good place to start is as a Patient Care Assistant in a pediatric hospital.

It does not guarantee a spot or an interview but you can network that way.

[minim, BSN, RN]

See if you can take an elective practicum in Peds. That's what got me my job! Volunteering or working as a tech can help too. Best of luck!

[picklerick]

Thank you so much for the responses!! My goal is definitely to land a per diem job as a patient care assistant here soon. I cant help but think ahead :)