Advice pls...Networking

[Ginnym1981]

Hello everyone!

I'm graduating in 49 days (yep, I'm counting! ) and I've just started my practicum on a surgical med surg floor (I've only done two 12 hour night shifts), but I LOVE it!

The team I've worked with have been so helpful and patient with my questions, the floor is super organized and everyone works together to get things done etc. (I could go on and on)...

Bottom line: I can really see myself working here and I want to approach this with my preceptor (she is the charge nurse) as well as the nurse manager but I'm afraid to come off as a "kiss_a$$" or something.

I mean yes, it's obvious that I want a job, who doesn't? But, I honestly see the hard work and dedication these nurses have and want to be a part of it as soon as I graduate.

I do know that they have 4 pregnant nurses currently, due in May, June, July and December and I've had different nurses tell me that the hospital is hiring float nurses for their med surg departments (I would love to say they told me this because they see my potential?).

So, the advice I need...how would you go about networking yourself to the nurse manager?

Right now, I've only said hello to her when she's gotten in the mornings. I was thinking that I should first introduce myself on my next shift and tell her how much I enjoy working with her team and then wait another week or so before asking to meet with her privately to see if they are hiring because I would love the opportunity to be apart of the team.

OR I should I only talk to my preceptor and get her input first about approaching the nursing manager?

Also, what things, as seasoned nurses do you like/look for/get impressed with in new students?

I try to answer call lights, the phone, ask lots of questions to clarify things (not because I don't know them because in that instance I try to look them up myself first), volunteer to perform skills even though I haven't done them before like NG tubes, catheters etc.

Thank you so much for any input!

I'm just so eager to begin my career and I WANT this floor so bad!! :)

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

I would just tell your preceptor that you are interested in working there - does he or she have any suggestions?

If he or she thinks you are great, they may well speak to the manager on your behalf. I've done it.

[chrisrn24]

Introduce yourself to the manager next time you see him/her. Just "hi, I'm X. It's nice to meet you. Thanks for letting me be here, I'm having a good time so far." Surely they have heard of you, but it is good to put a face to the name.

Make a great impression in the meantime, go above and beyond. Be excited to learn new skills, show enthusiasm.

When you are near the end of your time there, then maybe tell your preceptor "Thank you so much for everything. You know, I really like working here and I think I am going to apply for a job here once I graduate." If he/she seems excited then ask if you can put them down as a reference, or mention to manager that you are interested in working there.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

talk to preceptor and to manager both. Good luck to you!