Experience before graduation?

[NurseHopefulInOH]

So I am due to start nursing school in April and I am so so so excited. After years of taking pre reqs to take the entrance exam then being on a waiting list I am finally starting. I was wondering what I can do to help gain experience now and help find a decent job after graduating and passing boards. i intend to eventually be a pediatric nurse or work in labor and delivery. I am a STNA but I can't seem to find a job in a hospital or anywhere but a nursing home or else I would do that. Do any of you volunteer at a hospital? If so which? have you found this helpful in or after school?

[amjowens]

You need to do what you can-do volunteer, do keep applying, as you never know who you'll meet (networking important), and who will value what you've done when you do apply for a job.

That said, a lot of new grads are having the trouble of not having RN experience. Regardless of the health care experience you may accumulate, if it's not RN time, it's not going to fulfill the "one year" etc. requirements many places are wanting. You'll still be a new grad, needing new grad investment according to the potential employer.