Any tips for a "new" nursing student?

Published

Hello everybody,

I've been reading the articles posted on this site for the past years and I would like to thank all of you for the great advices you give unexperienced and experienced fellow nursing students and nurses. I start nursing school in May (working on my BSN). With my other two associate degrees, I just need two years and a half to get my BSN. I am a very ambitious person and hope to get a job as soon as I graduate. I would like want to ask for some advices regarding ways of improving chances to get hired after graduation (besides great GPA ). I got my CNA license in Cali and worked for six months as a CNA (resigned because of relocation), and I am currently an active volunteer for two different charities (because I enjoy it). I recently applied to volunteer in the ER at a local hospital and the volunteer coordinator said she will call me next week to meet up. Is there any additional training I can get or anything else I can do to increase my chances of being "noticed?"

Thank you so much again for taking time to read my post!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I would keep a part-time and/or PRN job during nursing school so that, when you graduate, you will already have a foot in the door of a healthcare organization whose managers could hire you as a nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your reply TheCommuter! I was thinking about the same thing but do you think that it's possible to work a full time job and be a good nursing student at the same time? I applied for a monitor tech position but is 7pm-7am (I haven't seen part-time jobs yet).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
do you think that it's possible to work a full time job and be a good nursing student at the same time?
I worked 32 hours per week while in nursing school and maintained my grades. Your instructors and some people on these forums will shout you down if you try to work, but it is possible to have a job while attending nursing school.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I was hired because of my paramedic experience. I would see if you can volunteer on a fire department as they will pay for your EMT class and get you 911 experience in most areas with volunteer fire departments (cities usually do not take volunteers but you can always check). That really sets people apart and a lot of ERs prefer EMTs for their techs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

You already sound like an outstanding person! :) I would recommend a PRN job during school cause hey! it may lead to a job! However, I could not do nursing school with CNA hours. I got a job as a cashier at my local grocery store. I got paid better and had better hours. I was able to get my foot in the door doing clinicals and my internship. While having a job in healthcare during nursing school is nice, it's not necessary to ensure future employment. So do what feels right to you! :) Every path is different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you laura09!! I have an interview with mayo clinic to volunteer in their ER...hopefully, while helping other people, I will be able to make myself noticed. I am really dedicated to this career and I feel like if I am given a chance, I will not disappoint others.However, I know that in this economy is tough. Thank you for your reply!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Some volunteer fire departments also pay really well. Some will pay only a few hundred a year but I made about 3,000 a year at the one I was at due to the method that they paid. I could make over 100 dollars under 2 hours if enough calls came in at the same time but on the flip side, I could make 18 dollars for a fire that lasts hours if no other calls come in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Attention gya15!!!

I would keep a part-time and/or PRN job during nursing school so that, when you graduate, you will already have a foot in the door of a healthcare organization whose managers could hire you as a nurse.

I can NOT emphasize this enough!!! If at all possible, find a job (even volunteer) that makes the internal job postings available to you. The reason is that as an internal applicant, you have the opportunity to apply for jobs before they are opened up to the general public, aka external applicants.

In my case, I had to work full time while going to school. Fortunately for me, I was able to make my work schedule mesh with my school schedule, but it wasn't always easy to make that happen. If you don't have to work, don't saddle yourself with a huge burden of working full time. Part Time/PRN work often is something that absolutely does enable you to find a nursing job after school's done. Just make sure that you can do your volunteer work without impacting your studies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Akulahawk,

Thank you for the useful advice!I officially start my job hunt today...hopefully I will be given a chance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Also, some hospitals will be more willing to hire you after your first clinical so read the requirements carefully.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment