Clinicals = networking!

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

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! :)

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

good advice!

i do this now as well, i talk to everyone and make myself as useful as possible on the unit when im there.

ive also done it so much that random ppl come up to me and say hi, or they remember me like you said. its pretty cool and it'll help out come may :)

[Cortisol]

This is excellent advice! Especially in this economy, networking is key!

[aachavez]

definetly!!! I went to several schools, and most mentioned that a large number of students have had jobs lined up before graduation due to networking/making a good impression in clinical.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I've been networking with the nurses at one of my clinicals. In fact the CEO of that hospital had approached my clinical instructor about volunteer opportunities. When she asked my clinical group who would be interested, out of 10, only 4 raised their hands. The reason why the others didn't was they were interested in "paying jobs." Goodness, they don't realize volunteer work is a foot in the door that can lead to a job offer.