I just wanted to share something seemingly basic but it did not come to me immediately.
When I was a vocational nursing student, I did not network. When things were slow, I got bored. Did my school paperwork. Putzed around. I did not bother to talk to the nurses on a personal level, get to know them, ask who the managers are and ask for advice on what I need to do to become a good nurse.
Fast forward 5 years. I went back to school to get my RN. I talked to everyone. CNAs, lift team, front desk, monitor techs, staff RNs, managers and directors. I met some really awesome people, got great tips and insights, jotted down some phone numbers and email addresses.
Today I went back and was greeted with a hug by a director who knew me by name. She gave me some inside information on upcoming openings.
When I came out of her office, I saw some nursing students sitting down, doing nothing and swearing under their breath and realized... oh my gosh... that was me 5 years ago!
I wish I knew what I did now and taken advantages of all the friendships and professional contacts I deprived myself.
So... word to the wise... Network during clinicals! :)
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Hi all,
I just wanted to share something seemingly basic but it did not come to me immediately.
When I was a vocational nursing student, I did not network. When things were slow, I got bored. Did my school paperwork. Putzed around. I did not bother to talk to the nurses on a personal level, get to know them, ask who the managers are and ask for advice on what I need to do to become a good nurse.
Fast forward 5 years. I went back to school to get my RN. I talked to everyone. CNAs, lift team, front desk, monitor techs, staff RNs, managers and directors. I met some really awesome people, got great tips and insights, jotted down some phone numbers and email addresses.
Today I went back and was greeted with a hug by a director who knew me by name. She gave me some inside information on upcoming openings.
When I came out of her office, I saw some nursing students sitting down, doing nothing and swearing under their breath and realized... oh my gosh... that was me 5 years ago!
I wish I knew what I did now and taken advantages of all the friendships and professional contacts I deprived myself.
So... word to the wise... Network during clinicals! :)