APNA and networking

[verene, MSN]

Hi,

I am a student RN interested in psychiatric/mental health nursing. I recently joined the APNA as a student. Any advice on how to best utilize my membership to start networking and learn more?

I joined the mentor/mentee program, but haven't heard anything, and the main discussion forum seems a little overwhelming. Are there particular sub-forums/groups I should look into joining? Do local chapters have in-person meetings I could attend?

Any other advice on either networking or making myself a strong candidate for a new grad psych RN position when I graduate this fall.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hi,

I am a student RN interested in psychiatric/mental health nursing. I recently joined the APNA as a student. Any advice on how to best utilize my membership to start networking and learn more?

I joined the mentor/mentee program, but haven't heard anything, and the main discussion forum seems a little overwhelming. Are there particular sub-forums/groups I should look into joining? Do local chapters have in-person meetings I could attend?

Any other advice on either networking or making myself a strong candidate for a new grad psych RN position when I graduate this fall.

Go to your local chapter's monthly meetings. You can attend even as a student. Going in person is the best way to network.

Also consider attending the state and national APNA conferences. Students often pay a cheaper rate. I attended my state one this spring (I always do it whenever it's near my area), and just registered for the national one in October (first time going to national).