Advice for those of you in NS

[Calzonan RN]

I just finished NS in December and was talking with a fellow graduate who has not found a job yet, despite applying for over 40 positions. It made me think that not everybody is prepared enough to find the job they've worked so hard for. I thought I'd share some advice with anyone who might want it . Also, if any other recent grads want to share some advice...go for it.

1) At least 3-4 months before you're due to graduate start applying for a job!! I can't tell you how many fellow students of mine wanted to wait until they had that degree in hand before applying, well several of them STILL haven't found jobs and if they have, it's not in an area they wanted to work in. Sure there's a nursing shortage, but it's an experienced nursing shortage, there's no shortage of new grads!! When applying see if you can actually speak with the manager of the department you want to work in. Most of the time they're just emailed your resume (along with hundreds of others) and if you actually speak with them you have a better chance of getting that interview.

2) If you want a specialty area or an area that's hard to get do something to ensure you're better qualified than all the other applicants. Either extern in that unit or volunteer if possible. The best way to get a job as a new grad is to know somebody. Make it known that you want to work there and get the needed experience to do it.

3) Start studying for the NCLEX at the very least, in the third block of NS. I had a teacher that made us take an NCLEX test with at least 150 questions and we had to score at least 76%, twice. He also encouraged us to do at least 75 questions a night. I think that really helped me to be prepared for the NCLEX, and it also helped with my testing for blocks 3 & 4. It's never too early to start studying for it.

4) When interviewing remember the dress code for nursing school. Cover up your tattoos, wear small earrings, dress professionally, wear minimal makeup, take out that tongue ring, etc. There's a reason nursing school has a dress code. Managers want you to portray a professional appearance while at work, if you can't even do it for the interview then how will you look while caring for your patients?

5) While in nursing school learn as much as you can, and at clinicals do as much as you can!! Be the person that volunteers to do skills or to help out. Really use the time you have to learn and do everything you can. It's so much easier to do a skill while in clinicals rather than doing it for the first time when you're on your own. Get as MUCH experience as possible!! You'll be so glad you did when you're able to comfortably do a skill as a new nurse, there's enough stress in being a new grad as it is!!

That's all I can think of for now, maybe some of my fellow grads can add some advice as well.

Just my

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

1) At least 3-4 months before you're due to graduate start applying for a job!! I can't tell you how many fellow students of mine wanted to wait until they had that degree in hand before applying, well several of them STILL haven't found jobs and if they have, it's not in an area they wanted to work in. Sure there's a nursing shortage, but it's an experienced nursing shortage, there's no shortage of new grads!!

2) If you want a specialty area or an area that's hard to get do something to ensure you're better qualified than all the other applicants. Either extern in that unit or volunteer if possible. The best way to get a job as a new grad is to know somebody. Make it known that you want to work there and get the needed experience to do it.

Although I completely agree with everything that you said, these 2 points are THE most important to do...

I got my job in March when I graduated in late May. I took the one and only new grad ICU position.

People forget that for ICUs, you NEED at least a summer externship or preceptorship to be even remotely competetive in that speciality. I'll assume it's the same for all specialities.

As far as NCLEX...I bought my NCLEX review book in 1st semester and started from there.

Good advice Keli!

[Amburgerz12]

I am really glad that you posted this thread!! I am about to start nursing school in the Fall and I never would have thought to start looking for a job before I graduated.

This is much appreciated!!!